I wanted to let you know that several new state laws will go into effect on October 1 that may be important to you, your family or your business.
Our priority remains protecting public safety, supporting our veterans, and keeping state government accountable to taxpayers.
Key legislative updates include:
Enhanced Road Safety & Fines: Starting October 1, drivers face tougher penalties for certain violations. Distracted driving is now expanded to drivers who watch videos on their phones, and drivers who violate storm travel bans face an increase of fines to $250. Public Act 26-95 increases the penalty for a driver who is observed illegally passing a stopped school bus three or more times; they will now have their driver’s license suspended for six months. Under a different bill (P.A. 26-120), distracted driving in a highway work zone will now be considered reckless driving, increased from being classified as a misdemeanor.
E-Bike Guidelines (P.A. 26-24): Establishes an exact 750-watt motor limit for e-bikes, restricts Class 2 bikes on natural-surface paths without local authorization, and excludes dirt bikes and ATVs from e-bike classifications.
Taking Care of Veterans (P.A. 26-35): Under the Hero Act, driver's license fees will be waived for any Department of Veterans Affairs verified veteran. The bill also creates a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans get certain dental services. The bill sets an annual program cap of $3,000 per eligible veteran for covered services.
Consumer Privacy Safeguards (P.A. 26-64): Among other changes, this law prohibits a streaming video service from transmitting to a consumer commercial advertising audio that is louder than the video it accompanies, consistent with FCC regulations.
An expanded list of those that will take effect on October 1, along with summaries, can be accessed here.
