Income Tax Rate Drops; New Speed Limits, Medical Marijuana Rules for Minors in 2015

If you’re an Illinois resident, there’s some good news for you in 2015: You’re getting a a raise — well, kind of.

Starting Jan. 1, the state income tax hike expires, meaning the state will now take 3.75 percent out of your paycheck instead of 5 percent.

The bad news? It’s still possible that Gov.-Elect Bruce Rauner could cut a deal with legislators to raise the rate again once he takes office. He is due to be sworn in on Jan. 12.

There are also plenty of new laws taking effect on Jan. 1. Here are a few:

Medical marijuana: Epilepsy will be added to the list of conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. Minors with epilepsy and other diseases can now be treated with non-smokeable marijuana with parental permission.

Homebuyer protection: Homeowners must disclose damage to doors or windows to potential buyers.

Speed limits: Speed limits on tollways and interstates increase to 70 miles per hour for passenger vehicles and 60 mph for semis.

E-cigarettes: E-cigarettes must be kept behind store counters.

Traffic stops: Driver’s licenses will no longer be held as bond when motorists are issued tickets for petty traffic violations, including speeding.

Cider rules: The definition of beer now includes all beverages brewed or fermented from malt products, specifically hard ciders — meaning the state beer tax now applies.

Cyberbullying: Expands schools’ disciplinary action for cyberbullying to computers accessed away from school if the activity hinders a student’s ability to learn.

No more GED: Changes the name of the General Educational Development tests to high school equivalency tests.

Protected animals: Adds the gray wolf, American black bear and cougar to the list of species protected under the wildlife code, but permits residents to kill one if they or their property are immediately threatened or the animal becomes a nuisance.

Click to view a full list of laws taking effect in 2015.