"There was a lot of action on the part of the General Assembly this year and as a result a number of new laws will take effect with the New Year," said Rep. Barickman."While you may not agree with all of the new measures, it is important to be aware of changes in Illinois law.For example, a couple of new driving while using a cell phone regulations were created this year.Previously, cell phone use in construction zones was prohibited.That law was extended to include all road construction and maintenance areas, even if those areas do not include a reduced speed limit.Hand-held cell phone use was also banned for those who are driving a commercial vehicle."

Below are highlights of new laws that will be effective at the start of 2013.To see a complete list of new laws taking effect January 1^stplease visit Representative Barickman's website, www.jasonbarickman.org.

• Caylee's Law, SB 2537, increases penalties for the failure to report a disappearance or death of a child 13 years or younger within 24 hours.Parents or guardians who provide false information to law enforcement or other authorities can be charged with obstruction of justice.
• Senate Bill 2488 extends the ban on cell phone use in a construction or maintenance zone to all projects, not just those with a reduced speed limit.
• House Bill 4966 will require DCFS to supply more complete information in reports on the death or serious injury of a child who is under the care or custody of the Department.
• House Bill 5265 increases the victim's age from 16 to 17 in the case of child luring. If the child victim is going to or from school, the charge is subject to felony prosecution.
• Senate Bill 3579 prohibits sex offenders from participating in certain public holiday events, such as handing out candy on Halloween or dressing up as Santa Claus.
• House Bill 5280 provides that any person who is convicted of luring a minor will be considered a sexual predator.Current law requires a second offense of luring before such declaration.
• House Bill 5914 prohibits the use of state funds or tuition revenue to pay for a "hiring search committee," with the exception of hiring a university president.
• House Bill 5101 provides that, with a few exceptions, a driver may not use a handheld mobile phone or text while driving a commercial vehicle.
• House Bill 5180 requires IDOT to develop and publish a policy to notify residents before starting construction projects that may impact their communities.
• House Bill 4013 requires metal recyclers purchasing copper to enter specific identifying information into forms provided by the State Police and retain of copy of that form for two years.
• House Bill 5056 will increase penalties for using another person's or a deceased person's disability license plate or decal.
• Senate Bill 2494 makes Gold Star license plates available to family members and siblings of a person who has lost his/her life while serving in the armed forces.
• Senate Bill 2839 requires sailboats to carry a life jacket for each passenger on board.
• Senate Bill 3452 will impose a minimum fine of $1,000 for driving a motorcycle on one wheel while speeding.The law also limits motorcycle handlebars to the same height as the driver's head.
• House Bill 222 will require counties, townships, and municipalities to be included in the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal database, which posts employment and salary information.
• House Bill 4687 requires public bodies to take reasonable steps to ensure that a copy of any meeting agenda and notice are available for public review during the 48 hour period before the meeting is scheduled to take place.
• Senate Bill 2579 provides that the "kingpin to rear axle length" restriction on Illinois highways does not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for transporting livestock.

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