Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act – HB3739
This law upgrades Illinois’ outdated water infrastructure and protects human and environmental health. Illinois’ high percentage of lead service lines — an estimated 1 in 6 — contaminate drinking water. Lead, a heavy metal and neurotoxin, causes brain damage in children and heart disease and kidney failure in adults. Water utilities now must replace all lead service lines, a task expected to create as many as 11,000 jobs in the state.
Effective Jan. 1, 2022
Community Emergency Services and Supports Act – HB2784
Illinois towns now must coordinate 911 calls with mental and behavioral health services. The goal: to decrease use of force in mental health emergencies while increasing access to mental healthcare. The law creates regional advisory committees and requires police officer training to improve mental health emergency response. In July, an emergency number for mental health crises, including suicide — 988 — launched nationally.
Effective January 1, 2022, with 988 launched July 16, 2022
Chicago Heat Ordinance – Title 14X of the Municipal Code
In response to increasing extreme weather events due to climate change, Chicago’s cooling rules now require new senior buildings and large residential facilities to have permanent air conditioning. Existing buildings for older adults can use portable cooling and dehumidification until 2024, when they’ll need permanent systems. Buildings must operate cooling systems when the heat index reaches 80 degrees. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th ward, introduced the ordinance after three women died in their apartments in the May 2022 extreme heat.
Effective June 22, 2022
Originally published in the Fall 2022/Winter 2023 print issue.
An award-winning journalist, Katie has written for Chicago Health since 2016 and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief.
