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CHICAGO – As we welcome the summer season, several new laws will take effect in July.
Next month, new laws will come into effect in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
Chicago paid leave and paid sick leave
In Chicago, businesses are now mandated to offer paid and sick leave to all their employees. To be eligible for paid leave, an employee must have worked for at least 80 hours, which is equivalent to around 7 days, within a 120-day period in Chicago.
Fair wage for tipped workers
Workers who depend on tips and earn less than the minimum wage will receive a boost in their wages. Their current wage of $9.40 will increase by 8% annually for the next five years until it reaches Chicago’s minimum wage of $15.80.
Chicago has approximately 100,000 tipped workers at present.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago has become the largest city in the United States to abolish the tipped wage for service workers with the implementation of this law.
Driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants
From July 1, Illinois will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, replacing the existing Temporary Visitors Driver’s License that is currently held by over 300,000 individuals in the state. The license will be considered a valid form of identification in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.
According to Pritzker, this new legislation represents a major stride towards leveling the playing field for undocumented immigrants and removing any obstacles that may hinder their access to opportunities. By allowing all eligible individuals to obtain a driver’s license, this measure will not only promote safer roads but also help reduce stigmatization while fostering more equitable systems for everyone.
To be eligible for a driver’s license, undocumented immigrants in Illinois are required to pass a driving test, possess valid insurance, provide identification documents, and demonstrate residency in the state for a minimum of one year.
SB1993
Before approving any new contracts for district-administered tests, school boards will need to conduct a public vote during their regular meetings.