The term “new laws in illinois 2025” refers to the body of legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor in 2025. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, education, healthcare, and taxation.
Some of the most important new laws in illinois 2025 include:
- The SAFE-T Act, which reforms the criminal justice system in Illinois.
- The Education Funding Reform Act, which increases funding for public education in Illinois.
- The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act, which expands access to affordable healthcare in Illinois.
- The Tax Relief Act, which provides tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois.
These new laws are expected to have a significant impact on the state of Illinois. The SAFE-T Act is expected to reduce crime and improve public safety. The Education Funding Reform Act is expected to improve the quality of education in Illinois. The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act is expected to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Illinois residents. The Tax Relief Act is expected to provide much-needed tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois.
1. SAFE-T Act
The SAFE-T Act is a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2021. The SAFE-T Act is one of the most significant pieces of criminal justice reform legislation to be passed in the United States in recent years.
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Ending cash bail
One of the most controversial provisions of the SAFE-T Act is the elimination of cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. This means that people who are arrested for these types of crimes will be released from jail without having to pay bail.
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Requiring body cameras for police officers
The SAFE-T Act also requires all police officers in Illinois to wear body cameras. This is a towards increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
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Banning chokeholds
The SAFE-T Act also bans the use of chokeholds by police officers. Chokeholds are a dangerous and potentially deadly use of force, and their use has been linked to several high-profile deaths of Black men in recent years.
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Creating a new police oversight board
The SAFE-T Act creates a new police oversight board that will be responsible for investigating complaints of police misconduct. The board will have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents, and to make recommendations for discipline or termination of police officers.
The SAFE-T Act is a landmark piece of legislation that is expected to have a significant impact on the criminal justice system in Illinois. The law is designed to reduce crime, improve public safety, and increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
2. Education Funding Reform Act
The Education Funding Reform Act (EFRA) is a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The EFRA is the most significant investment in public education in Illinois history, and it is expected to have a major impact on the quality of education in the state.
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Increased funding for early childhood education
The EFRA provides a significant increase in funding for early childhood education programs, such as preschool and Head Start. Research has shown that high-quality early childhood education programs can have a major impact on children’s future success in school and life. The EFRA’s increased funding for early childhood education is expected to help ensure that all Illinois children have access to these critical programs.
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Increased funding for K-12 education
The EFRA also provides a significant increase in funding for K-12 education. This funding will be used to reduce class sizes, hire more teachers, and provide more resources for students. The EFRA’s increased funding for K-12 education is expected to help improve the quality of education for all Illinois students.
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Increased funding for higher education
The EFRA also provides a significant increase in funding for higher education. This funding will be used to make college more affordable for Illinois students and to help ensure that all Illinois students have access to a high-quality higher education. The EFRA’s increased funding for higher education is expected to help boost the state’s economy and to improve the lives of all Illinois residents.
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New funding formula
The EFRA also creates a new funding formula for public schools in Illinois. The new funding formula is designed to ensure that all schools receive the resources they need to provide a high-quality education for their students. The EFRA’s new funding formula is expected to help reduce disparities in funding between schools and to ensure that all Illinois students have access to a quality education.
The EFRA is a major step forward for public education in Illinois. The law is expected to improve the quality of education for all Illinois students, from early childhood through higher education. The EFRA is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing all Illinois residents with the opportunity to succeed.
3. Healthcare Access and Affordability Act
The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act (HAAA) is a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The HAAA is the most significant expansion of healthcare access in Illinois history, and it is expected to have a major impact on the lives of Illinois residents.
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Expanding Medicaid
The HAAA expands Medicaid eligibility to all Illinois residents with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This means that hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents who were previously uninsured will now have access to affordable health insurance.
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Creating a new health insurance marketplace
The HAAA creates a new health insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can shop for and compare health insurance plans. The marketplace will be regulated by the state, and it will offer a variety of plans from different insurers. This will make it easier for Illinois residents to find affordable health insurance that meets their needs.
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Providing subsidies to help people afford health insurance
The HAAA provides subsidies to help people afford health insurance. These subsidies are available to individuals and families with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The subsidies will make health insurance more affordable for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.
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Investing in community health centers
The HAAA invests in community health centers, which provide affordable health care to underserved communities. This investment will help to improve access to care for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.
The HAAA is a major step forward for healthcare access and affordability in Illinois. The law is expected to help hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents get the health care they need. The HAAA is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing all Illinois residents with the opportunity to live healthy lives.
4. Tax Relief Act
The Tax Relief Act is a law that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The Tax Relief Act provides tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois. The law does this by increasing the standard deduction, reducing the income tax rate, and eliminating the marriage penalty.
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Increasing the standard deduction
The standard deduction is the amount of money that you can deduct from your taxable income before you calculate your taxes. The Tax Relief Act increases the standard deduction for both single filers and married couples. This means that you will pay less in taxes, even if your income does not change.
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Reducing the income tax rate
The Tax Relief Act reduces the income tax rate for all Illinois residents. This means that you will pay a lower percentage of your income in taxes.
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Eliminating the marriage penalty
The marriage penalty is a tax penalty that is imposed on married couples who file their taxes jointly. The Tax Relief Act eliminates the marriage penalty, so that married couples will no longer pay more in taxes than they would if they filed their taxes separately.
The Tax Relief Act is a significant piece of legislation that will provide much-needed tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois. The law is expected to save Illinois families an average of $200 per year. The Tax Relief Act is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing tax relief to its residents.
5. Criminal justice reform
Criminal justice reform is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of policies and practices aimed at improving the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. In recent years, there has been a growing movement for criminal justice reform in the United States, and Illinois has been at the forefront of this movement.
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Reducing mass incarceration
One of the key goals of criminal justice reform is to reduce mass incarceration. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and Illinois is one of the states with the highest incarceration rates. Mass incarceration has a devastating impact on communities, families, and individuals. It is also a major driver of racial inequality, as Black people are incarcerated at a rate that is many times higher than that of white people.
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Ending cash bail
Cash bail is a system that allows people who are arrested to be released from jail before their trial if they can pay a sum of money. This system is unfair because it discriminates against poor people, who are more likely to be unable to afford bail. Ending cash bail would help to reduce pretrial detention and ensure that all people are treated equally under the law.
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Reforming sentencing laws
Sentencing laws in the United States are often too harsh, especially for nonviolent drug offenses. This has led to a dramatic increase in the prison population over the past few decades. Reforming sentencing laws would help to reduce mass incarceration and ensure that people are not punished more severely than necessary.
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Investing in rehabilitation
One of the best ways to reduce crime is to invest in rehabilitation programs for people who have been convicted of crimes. These programs can help people to learn new skills, get jobs, and rebuild their lives. Investing in rehabilitation programs is a cost-effective way to reduce recidivism and make communities safer.
The new laws in Illinois 2025 are a major step forward for criminal justice reform in the state. These laws will help to reduce mass incarceration, end cash bail, reform sentencing laws, and invest in rehabilitation. These reforms will make Illinois a fairer and more just state.
6. Education funding
Education funding is a critical component of the new laws in Illinois 2025. The state has made a significant investment in education, with the goal of improving the quality of education for all students. The new laws provide increased funding for early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education.
Early childhood education is essential for a child’s development. Research has shown that children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed in school and life. The new laws in Illinois 2025 provide increased funding for early childhood education programs, such as preschool and Head Start. This investment will help to ensure that all Illinois children have access to these critical programs.
K-12 education is also a top priority for the state of Illinois. The new laws provide increased funding for K-12 education, which will be used to reduce class sizes, hire more teachers, and provide more resources for students. This investment will help to improve the quality of education for all Illinois students.
Higher education is another important component of the new laws in Illinois 2025. The state has made a significant investment in higher education, with the goal of making college more affordable for Illinois students. The new laws provide increased funding for higher education, which will be used to reduce tuition costs and provide more financial aid to students. This investment will help to ensure that all Illinois students have access to a high-quality higher education.
The new laws in Illinois 2025 represent a major investment in education. This investment is essential for the future of Illinois. By providing more resources for education, the state is investing in its children and its future.
7. Healthcare access
Healthcare access is a critical component of the new laws in Illinois 2025. The state has made a significant investment in healthcare, with the goal of improving access to affordable healthcare for all Illinois residents.
One of the most important new laws is the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act (HAAA). The HAAA expands Medicaid eligibility to all Illinois residents with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This means that hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents who were previously uninsured will now have access to affordable health insurance.
The HAAA also creates a new health insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can shop for and compare health insurance plans. The marketplace will be regulated by the state, and it will offer a variety of plans from different insurers. This will make it easier for Illinois residents to find affordable health insurance that meets their needs.
In addition to the HAAA, the new laws in Illinois 2025 also include funding for community health centers. Community health centers provide affordable healthcare to underserved communities. This investment will help to improve access to care for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.
The new laws in Illinois 2025 represent a major step forward for healthcare access in the state. These laws will help to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to the affordable healthcare they need.
8. Tax relief
The Tax Relief Act is a key component of the new laws in Illinois 2025. The Act provides tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois by increasing the standard deduction, reducing the income tax rate, and eliminating the marriage penalty.
Tax relief is important because it puts more money in the pockets of Illinois families. This money can be used to pay for essential expenses, such as food, housing, and healthcare. Tax relief can also help to stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending.
The Tax Relief Act is expected to save Illinois families an average of $200 per year. This may not seem like a lot of money, but it can make a significant difference for families who are struggling to make ends meet. The Act is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing tax relief to its residents.
FAQs about New Laws in Illinois 2025
The following are some frequently asked questions about the new laws in Illinois 2025:
9. Question 1: What are the most important new laws in Illinois 2025?
The most important new laws in Illinois 2025 include the SAFE-T Act, the Education Funding Reform Act, the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act, and the Tax Relief Act.
10. Question 2: What is the SAFE-T Act?
The SAFE-T Act is a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2021. The SAFE-T Act is one of the most significant pieces of criminal justice reform legislation to be passed in the United States in recent years.
11. Question 3: What is the Education Funding Reform Act?
The Education Funding Reform Act (EFRA) is a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The EFRA is the most significant investment in public education in Illinois history, and it is expected to have a major impact on the quality of education in the state.
12. Question 4: What is the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act?
The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act (HAAA) is a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The HAAA is the most significant expansion of healthcare access in Illinois history, and it is expected to have a major impact on the lives of Illinois residents.
13. Question 5: What is the Tax Relief Act?
The Tax Relief Act is a law that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025. The Tax Relief Act provides tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois.
14. Question 6: How will the new laws in Illinois 2025 affect me?
The new laws in Illinois 2025 will affect all Illinois residents in some way. The SAFE-T Act will reform the criminal justice system in Illinois. The Education Funding Reform Act will improve the quality of education in Illinois. The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act will make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Illinois residents. The Tax Relief Act will provide tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the new laws in Illinois 2025. For more information, please consult the official website of the Illinois General Assembly.
Tips Regarding the New Laws in Illinois 2025
The new laws in Illinois 2025 are a major step forward for the state. These laws will have a significant impact on the lives of Illinois residents, and it is important to be aware of them and their potential effects.
Here are five tips to help you understand and comply with the new laws in Illinois 2025:
1. Read the new laws carefully.
The best way to understand the new laws is to read them carefully. You can find the full text of the laws on the website of the Illinois General Assembly.
2. Talk to an attorney.
If you have any questions about the new laws, you should talk to an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the laws and how they apply to you.
3. Stay informed.
The new laws are complex, and there is a lot of information to learn. Stay informed about the laws by reading news articles, attending public forums, and talking to your elected officials.
4. Be prepared to comply.
The new laws will have a significant impact on the way that businesses and individuals operate in Illinois. Be prepared to comply with the laws and make any necessary changes to your operations.
5. Report any violations.
If you see someone violating the new laws, you should report it to the appropriate authorities. You can report violations to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are aware of and comply with the new laws in Illinois 2025.
Conclusion
The new laws in Illinois 2025 represent a significant change for the state. These laws will have a major impact on the lives of Illinois residents, and it is important to be aware of them and their potential effects.
The new laws cover a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, education, healthcare, and taxation. Some of the most important new laws include the SAFE-T Act, the Education Funding Reform Act, the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act, and the Tax Relief Act.
These laws are expected to have a positive impact on Illinois. The SAFE-T Act is expected to reduce crime and improve public safety. The Education Funding Reform Act is expected to improve the quality of education in Illinois. The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act is expected to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Illinois residents. The Tax Relief Act is expected to provide tax relief to middle-class families in Illinois.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the many new laws that were passed in Illinois in 2025. For more information, please consult the official website of the Illinois General Assembly.
