New Illinois Laws 2020: Business, Commerce, Economic Development

Medical Practice Act of 1987 (HB 1269) - Provides that beginning on January 1, 2020, the fee for renewal of a license under the Medical Practice Act for a resident or nonresident is $181 per year.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code (HB 2492) - Authorizes the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and its Local Lodge 701 to issue decals for the universal special license plate.

Assumed Business Name Act (2528) - Provides that a person operating a home-based business under an assumed name may list the county clerk and its address as the default agent for service of process, to include either a court order or police report.

New Business Act (HB 2670) - Reduces the restrictions on opening a business for those with past criminal offenses and defines the terms and provides flexibility to various state departments to review the circumstances around past offenses.

DCEO- Services Coordinator (HB 3084) - Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to work with the General Assembly, to complete an assessment of its current practices related to its marketing programs administered and the extent to which it assists Illinois residents in the use of programs offered.

Dealer Licensing (HB 3269) - Makes changes to how car dealers' agents may transport vehicles, background checks on remittance agents.

Blockchain Technology Act (HB 3575) - Creates the Blockchain Technology Act which provides for permitted uses and limitations of blockchain technology in transactions and proceedings and 2) prohibits local governments from imposing taxes or fees and certain restrictions on the use of blockchain.

Business Enterprise (SB 177) - Strengthens support for minority-owned companies, allows some companies to qualify for the Business Enterprise Program if they meet certain municipal-level qualifications, and increase diversity in apprenticeships for construction and the building trades.

Title Insurance-Independent Escrowee (SB 195) - The purposes of escrows, settlements or closings, "good funds" may be in the form of a check drawn on the fiduciary trust account of a title insurance company, a title insurance agent or an independent escrowee.

Acupuncture Practice Act (SB 1133) - Changes the Acupuncture Practice Act to provide title protection for Chinese Herbology.

Personal Information Report (SB 1624) - Requires companies that collect personal information concerning Illinois residents report data breaches affecting more than 500 Illinois residents to the Attorney General.

Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program (SB 2146) - Requires Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program to prepare people for a career in water infrastructure.

Source: Illinois State Democrats