New Illinois Laws for 2014

By: Mark Javier

 

Happy New Year! Once again, the dawn of a new year refreshes our lives with resolutions intended to better ourselves and brings new hope for prosperity and happiness. The New Year also brings new laws and regulations for everyone to obey. These new laws cover a wide range of activities and circumstances. Ignorance of the law is not a defense, and a person may be subject to the consequences of violating the law even if he, or she, did not know about it. Here are a few:

Concealed Carry January 3, 2014 was the official first day of registration for concealed carry permits in Illinois. The Illinois State Police has 90 days within which to grant or deny the application. Those seeking licensure must meet all eligibility and training requirements. If you are interested in obtaining a license, you may want to consult with a qualified firearms attorney.

Medical Marijuana – Like it or not, medicinal marijuana has arrived in Illinois. Certain people with qualifying medical conditions may now obtain licenses to possess and use marijuana for medicinal purposes with the recommendation of a qualified physician. However, the state still has 120 days from January 1 to set up the application process

Cell Phones – There is now a statewide ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers are now required to use Bluetooth enabled devices while operating a motor vehicle. Anyone caught holding a cell phone to their ear is subject to a $75 fine, exceptions exist for emergency calls.

Littering Smokers beware! –  The state is looking to crack down, or cash in, on cigarette smokers who are in the habit of tossing their cigarette butts onto the street. A new anti-littering law makes cigarettes butts specifically designated as “litter” and those caught discarding them could be fined up to $1,500.00.

Voting Rights – Get out and vote…even if you’re only seventeen years old? Illinois now allows individuals who are eligible to vote in a general election to also vote in the primary for the general election even if they are only seventeen years old at the time of the primary. Those interested in exercising this right must register prior to February 18 to vote in the March 18 primary.

Speed Limits – Are you in a hurry? Illinois drivers can now get to their destinations a bit sooner. Speed limits on rural Illinois roads has been increased to 70mph from 65mph. However, be careful when driving through Chicago, as a majority of the city is designated as a slow zone.

Immigration One major development in the world of immigration is the possible temporary protected status (TPS) designation of the Philippines due to the immense destruction of Typhoon Haiyan. The Philippine Government has made an official request to the U.S. Government for TPS designation. Now, the Filipino community is anxiously waiting for an official declaration granting TPS that would provide muchneeded relief to the Typhoon that Haiyan ravaged central region of the Philippines. Under TPS, eligible Filipinos may be granted relief from removal to the Philippines during the designation period and allowed work authorization in the U.S. The Filipino community has been active in organizing support for this specific form of humanitarian aid. Community leaders have met to discuss action initiatives that will persuade the U.S. Government to grant TPS and to educate Filipino nationals in the U.S. about how it benefits them and whether they may qualify. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions contained in this column are solely those of the author, and do not express the views and opinions of VIA Times, its publisher, or any other employee or contributor of the publication. Nothing in the column is intended to be legal advice or counsel, and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and author. Every legal case is unique and requires professional evaluation on a case-by-case basis. This column is not meant to replace the sound legal analysis of individual consultation with an attorney, and is meant for informational purposes only. If you have concerns about your legal rights or are faced with legal action, consult a licensed
attorney.

A birthday fete in honor of Don Kramer held at Wildfire Restaurant in Lincolnshire, IL last January 12th. From left at the round table, toasting the birthday celebrant for longer life and more success in business, are: Thom Bierbrodt, Joe Mauricio, James dela Cruz, Don Kramer, Flor Kramer, Ma. Girlie Pascual, Veronica, and Dan Gawat.