New 2022 Laws Families Need to Know

With every new year comes new laws and changes to existing statutes and processes, some of which could directly impact you and your family. Effective January 1, 2022, here are a few legal changes that we think families should know:

Child Relocation
Changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act allow clients to seek permission to temporarily relocate a child during a pending divorce case if it is in the child’s best interest. (SB 00259)

Changes to Adoption Act
Several issues affect the adoption process in Illinois, including that additional information for the affidavit of identification to be given by the biological mother in an adoption proceeding. (SB 00107)

Children with Autism and Insurance Coverage
Amendments to the Illinois Insurance Code prohibit an insurer from denying or refusing to provide otherwise covered services for children with autism based on the location of where services are provided. (SB 01592)

Mental Health Absences for Students
Students in public schools can have up to five mental health-related absences without a note. Students will be allowed to make up any work they miss. (SB 01577)

Handicap Decals for Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers in their third trimester can use a 90-day disability parking decal from the Secretary of State. (HB 03027)

Gender-Identifying Language in Marriage License
A married person can now request a copy of their marriage license with the term “spouse” rather than any gender-identifying language. (SB 00139)

Standardized Testing Is Now Optional
Illinois high school students can now choose whether or not they want to submit a standardized test score when applying to public institutions in the state.  The law requires universities to make admission decisions regardless of ACT/SAT scores. (HB0226)

Lemonade Stands Do Not Need a Permit
Kids under the age of 16 who run lemonade stands (or any stands that sell non-alcoholic beverages) will not be required to have a permit. This includes having a stand in a public park.  (SB 0112)

Want to see all 286 new Illinois laws for 2022?  Click here for a complete list.

Should you have any questions about how these new laws affect you and your family, please give us a call.

This is for informational and promotional purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. The use of the information contained herein does not create an attorney-client relationship between Campbell Long and the recipient.