Rep. Tipsword’s E-Newsletter: New Laws, Rural Healthcare, Around the District, and More

NEW LAWS

Happy New Year everyone! As of January 1, nearly 300 new laws took effect in Illinois. Below are links to three stories that will help explain them:

LIST: These new Illinois laws go into effect on January 1, 2026 | MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports

New Illinois laws 2026: Full list and what you should know - NBC Chicago

New laws: Illinois' grocery tax to end, aquifer protections begin - Chicago Sun-Times

SCOTT'S LAW

One more new law I would like to highlight is the expansion of Scott's Law. Motorists who see people outside their vehicles, including emergency responders, roadwork crews, tow trucks, or snowplows, must move over one to two lanes when it is safe to do so.

The updated law now applies not only to stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights but also to fire and EMS personnel, construction workers, tow trucks, road crews, and pedestrians near the roadway. Learn more here: Expansion to Scott's Law will now include more than emergency vehicles

RURAL HEALTHCARE

Illinois has been awarded over $193 million of federal funds to expand access to healthcare and help to eliminate barriers to care that many residents of rural communities face. Learn more here: 32058-123125-hfs-rural-health-transformation-program-announcement-final.pdf.pdf

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has announced a first-of-its-kind law enforcement therapy canine certification framework. This new certification is designed to formally review and certify law enforcement personnel and their trained therapy canines for use in crisis calls, peer support, and community engagement functions. Learn more here: ILETSB Approves Therapy Dog Training Program

AROUND THE DISTRICT

I would like to highlight that road work on Route 116 through Pontiac has been completed. This $7.2 million project included intersection reconstruction at Old Route 66, roadway resurfacing, signal repairs, ADA sidewalk and curb work, and drainage repairs. Illinois 116 work in Pontiac complete

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is accepting applications for the 2026 DCFS Scholarship Program open to current and former youth in care. Applications are due by March 31. Apply online here: Kaleidoscope - Illinois DCFS Scholarship 2026

GREEN ENERGY BILL

This week, Governor Pritzker signed Democrats' Green New Giveaway into law. This energy package does not deliver for Illinois families. In addition to saddling ratepayers with even higher power bills, Democrats are forcing an unreliable energy supply.

Instead of focusing on expensive and unattainable green energy pipe dreams, we should focus on preserving our energy from sources like natural gas, coal, and fossil fuels that actually work when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining.

LANDLINE PHASE OUT

AT&T is ending its landline phone services in Illinois as the utility moves to a digital home phone service over the next two years. Current customers can keep their existing landline service until it is discontinued in 2027. Learn more here: AT&T to phase out landline service in Illinois - NBC Chicago

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I want to recognize all of my peers and faithful public servants who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. I admire your unwavering commitment to serve and protect, no matter the circumstances involved.

Law enforcement officers have incredibly difficult jobs, and in many cases, they have very dangerous jobs. On this day, I hope everyone can stop, take a moment, and show support for their local law enforcement officers. No gesture is too small, and any act of kindness is greatly appreciated.