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New laws taking effect in 2016

With the turn of the new year approaching, it is more important than ever to know what laws will be changing in 2016.

Each year, the law makers that Illinois Citizens vote into office, make changes and additions to our state level legislation. It is important to know what will take effect January 1, 2016.

This year the State of Illinois has gotten even more demanding in the war on impaired driving. Drivers who have been found guilty of 2 DUI's within 5 years will be required to install breathalyzers on both their personal and work vehicles. Another law will also require that device to remain in the vehicle for at least 5 years.

The State also passed a law that will prohibit "Gay Conversion Therapy" and referring to homosexuality as an illness when advertising conversion therapy services.

A law will take effect that will allow residents of nursing homes or their representatives to use surveillance systems in their rooms at their own expense.

The penalty for aggravated assault against a peace officer, firefighter, emergency management worker or emergency medical technician has been increased from a misdemeanor to a felony charge.

The 2016 hunting season may look a little different for some southern Illinois families. The age requirement for a youth hunting license has been raised from 16 and under to 19 and under (or until the youth wants to hunt by himself or herself).

Hunting and killing bobcats will once again be legal in Illinois, the new law opens up bobcat hunting for the first time in 40 years. The population of bobcat, estimated according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has grown to 5,000 statewide.

A new form of alcoholic beverage has been banned starting in 2016, the new law will prohibit the sale of powdered alcohol. The Freeze-dried, powdered alcohol has been approved by federal regulators, but law makers aren't convinced the product is safe to use.

Good news for home health providers, legislators have passed a law that will allow Home healthcare and hospice nurses to pick up patients' prescriptions at the drug store, allowing for better monitoring of the patients' medicinal intake.

Persons who intentionally call 911 falsely, starting in January will be required to reimburse the local authorities for all cost upto $10,000.

Comfort dogs will now be allowed in court rooms for minors who are testifying in sex offense cases and for those who have developmental disabilities.

These are just a few of the changes that are being made in Illinois starting Jan. 1, to see a full list please go to www.illinoissenatedemocrates.com