A new year means new laws take effect, and a number of changes in Illinois pertain to law enforcement.  Gun access, background checks, and more are the subject of several signed pieces of legislation soon to be enforced.  Major events in Illinois and across the country which have generated headlines have spurred the creation of these new laws. 

Arguably the most notable law is one which came following the killing of Sonya Massey and the subsequent conviction of the involved Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy.  Starting in 2026, law enforcement agencies will have greater requirements for the background checks they carry out for incoming officers.  Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office says information on candidates’ law enforcement records is now also required. 

Another widely followed new law is the Safe Gun Storage Act.  It states that gun owners must securely store firearms if a minor or at-risk person could otherwise access it. 

One other incoming statute also relates to firearms.  It states that, in certain cases, individuals who do not have a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and are initially charged with a low-level weapons-related crime can apply for said card and see the charges dropped.

Relating to individuals going missing, one new law expands the circumstances in which law enforcement agencies must accept missing person reports.

Driver’s licenses are the subject of another change to state law.  The newest legislation increases the age threshold for required in-person renewal from 75-79 and allows immediate family members to intervene in certain circumstances.

Find out more about the Christian County Sheriff’s Office by visiting them at their Facebook page. You can also download the CCSO IL App on your mobile device for the latest news and information.

Jim Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.