Starting January 1, 2026, nearly 300 new laws will take effect in Illinois, including the elimination of the state’s 1% grocery tax. However, since over half of Illinois municipalities and three counties have enacted their own grocery taxes, many residents will still face local grocery taxes. Other notable laws include a ban on small single-use plastic toiletry bottles in hotels, expanded SNAP benefits for veterans, and new police authority to remove squatters without court orders.

Additional significant changes address public safety and health: the Safe Gun Storage Act tightens firearm storage rules and reporting requirements; schools are prohibited from disclosing students’ immigration status; landowners must be compensated for pipeline property damage; and firefighting gear sellers must disclose PFAS chemical content, with a ban on such gear by 2027. Other measures include fees for repeated lift assists by fire departments, rooftop safety standards for first responders, insurance coverage for hippotherapy, and mandatory CPR training for 911 telecommunicators. These laws underscore Illinois’ commitment to safety, health, and environmental protection.