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New Illinois Laws in 2026: What You Need to Know


A new year brings significant changes to the Illinois legal landscape. For residents in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties, keeping up with these shifts isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about protecting your rights, your property, and your driver’s license.

As a former prosecutor now defending the rights of the accused, I’ve analyzed the most impactful legislation taking effect on January 1, 2026. Here is what is changing and how it affects you.


1. Major Updates to DUI and Driving Permits

DUI remains one of the most heavily prosecuted crimes in the Chicago suburbs. In 2026, the focus has shifted toward balancing stricter penalties with new pathways for limited driving privileges.


  • Expanded Restricted Driving Permits (RDPs): New legislation (HB 2658) has expanded eligibility for restricted permits. If you are facing a license suspension in Bridgeview, Wheaton, or Joliet, you may now be eligible for an RDP that allows driving up to 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, within a 200-mile radius for employment, school, or medical needs—provided an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is installed.

  • MDDP Credit: If you successfully used a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) during your suspension without violations, you may now receive credit toward any mandatory IID requirements following a conviction.


2. The Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 8)

Illinois gun owners now face stricter storage requirements. Under the Safe Gun Storage Act, firearms must be stored in locked containers if a minor or an "at-risk" person is likely to gain access.


  • The Penalty: Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 if a minor or prohibited person obtains the weapon and causes harm. In 2026, this law also creates a "negligence per se" standard, making it much easier for gun owners to be sued civilly for damages resulting from improper storage.


3. Closing the "Squatter Loophole" (SB 1563)

Property owners in Cook and Will counties have long struggled with unauthorized occupants. Starting in 2026, the law finally clarifies that police have the authority to remove criminal trespassers (squatters) immediately without the owner having to file a months-long civil eviction case. If you can prove ownership and the entry was unauthorized, law enforcement can act decisively.


4. Police Accountability & Missing Persons

  • Sonya Massey Act: Law enforcement hiring agencies are now required to conduct significantly deeper background checks, including reviews of military service, credit history, and past police discipline databases.

  • No Waiting Periods: Illinois has officially eliminated waiting periods for taking missing persons reports. Information must now be entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) immediately.


Don't Navigate 2026 Laws Alone

Whether you are facing a DUI in Chicago, a weapons charge in Wheaton, or a property dispute in Joliet, the laws are more complex than ever.


I don't just know the law; I know how the prosecutors in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties think. Protect your future with an attorney who has seen the case from both sides of the aisle.


Or call our office directly at (847) 345-7060


What are the new Illinois DUI permit rules for 2026?

Illinois has expanded eligibility for Restricted Driving Permits (RDPs) and Monitoring Device Driving Permits (MDDPs). If you've been arrested in Cook, DuPage, or Will County, you may now have more flexibility to drive for work or school.

Can I remove a squatter in Illinois without an eviction court date?

Yes, as of January 1, 2026, SB 1563 allows law enforcement to remove criminal trespassers immediately if the owner can prove unauthorized entry and ownership.

What is the penalty for improper gun storage in Illinois?

Under the Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 8), failing to secure a firearm away from minors or at-risk individuals can result in civil penalties up to $10,000.


 
 
 
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