New laws will be effective for citizens to follow in Illinois in 2023. A few of these new laws will be Crown Act, the New Student School Helpline, New Smoke Detector Rules, and the Equity in Health Act.
New Smoke Detector Rules
This particular Smoke Detector Act (SDA) was changed and approved in 2007. However, the SDA won’t be effective until Jan. 1, 2023. It nearly took 6 years to approve this Act. Now the question one may be wondering is, “What took so long to approve this law?”
This new law only applies to residents still using alarms with removable batteries, according to Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA). Also, there are different rules with alarms that aren’t hardwired. The battery requirements don’t apply to smoke detectors, fire alarms, or smoke alarms, according to the bill. The new law is only for electronically connecting to certain alarm systems.
The Crown Act
The Crown Act, also known as the “Natural Hair Act,” is one of the amendments (IHRA) made. This Act was created to give respect to all Black women and girls that were discriminated just because across the world. The bill provides in the employment article includes but is not limited to protective hairstyles such as locks, braids, twists, and hair texture. This refers back to the traits historically associated with race.
New Student School Helpline
In May 2022, the Safe2Help bill was passed and established a program where school officials and state police can receive reports regarding the students’ and school employees’ safety. Safe2Help helpline can keep track of self-harm or potential harm within the youth.
The Safe2Help is a toll-free telephone number, meaning operators are communicating on the phone and receiving each message to decrease suicides. Please don’t hesitate to help anyone you know that’s dealing with bullying, cyberbullying, anxiety, lack of self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more. Call or email Safe2Help, the number is 844-472-2332 and the email is HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com.
Equity in Health Act
The Equity in Health Act provides loan repayment programs and scholarships attracting nursing and other health-related work in Illinois. Additionally, it covers LGBTQ patients, people with lower economic backgrounds, and patients of color. In the medical field, some professionals may cause a huge barrier with these patients.
In June 2022, Senator Mattie Hunter said, “The measurement is a lack of representation by providing scholarships for those who can help diversify the field.” This bill was to be signed into law.
Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Act
This particular law is just as important as the other several laws. Chicago women and girls have experienced violence on several occasions.
This experience includes but is not limited to murder mysteries, missing cases, domestic violence, sexual assault, and even stalking. The impact of the violence majority against Chicago women and girls, along with the prosecution and investigation.
Written by Tiffany Fleming
Sources:
NBC: More Than 180 New Illinois Laws Will Go Into Effect in 2023. Here’s The Full List
WandTV: 10 New Illinois Laws Taking Effect in 2023
WCIA: Ten New Laws going into effect in Illinois in 2023 by Danny Connolly
Safe2Help: Who Is Your Trusted Adult?
NNEDV: Violence Against Women Act
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Jernej Furman’s Flickr page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of mush m.’s Flickr page – Creative Commons License
