Traveling Elephant Ban

A new law, effective in 2018, bans the use of elephants in traveling shows - acts where animals are transported from one location to another and housed in mobile facilities. The rule applies to African and Asian elephants protected under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. The law was the first of its kind in the country when Rauner signed it in August. The state of New York followed in October.

Marijuana DUI

A new law in Illinois makes it illegal to smoke marijuana in a moving car as a driver or a passenger.
There is no DUI suspension for a marijuana DUI. You can drive stoned on heroin, on marijuana, on crack cocaine, it doesn't matter. There is no standard under NHTSA, which is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for any of those drugs other than alcohol.

Increased Penalties For Repeat Gun Offenses

A new law in 2018 will increase penalties for repeat gun offenses.  It increases the possible prison sentence from 3 to 14 years to 7 to 14 years. The tougher penalties are designed to help deter crime.

Hate Crimes

Effective 2018, crimes committed at churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship can now be tried as hate crimes.  The measure came about after an increase in vandalism and racist graffiti at religious facilities across Illinois.

Gay Panic Defense

A new law, effective 2018,  states that defendants accused of murder will no longer be allowed to try to reduce their possible sentences using what is known as the "gay panic' defense by saying their violence was an act of passion after learning a victim was gay.  And sexual orientation cannot be considered provocation for second degree murder.