Published June 12, 2026 at 3:21 PM CDT
Among them is the creation of the state’s new Department of Early Childhood, which will oversee programs previously managed by multiple agencies. Lawmakers say the change is intended to streamline services for children and families.
Other laws include a new specialized permit for certain school bus drivers, changes to driver’s license renewal requirements for older adults, and an expanded definition of cyberbullying in schools that includes the unauthorized distribution of digitally altered images.
Another measure, known as Deb’s Law, will allow terminally ill patients to request medication to end their lives. The law is scheduled to take effect in September, though a federal lawsuit challenging the measure was filed this week.
The new laws are among several measures approved by the General Assembly and signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker over the past two years.
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