



Gas and cigarettes will cost more in Illinois starting Monday, and drivers will face stiffer penalties the first time they’re caught texting behind the wheel.
Along with a new $40 billion state budget, here’s a look at some of the tax increases and other new laws taking effect at the start of July.
Revenue from the increased gas tax will help pay for $25 billion in road projects as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” infrastructure construction plan.
Money from the increased taxes on tobacco products will be used to pay for construction projects at public schools, state universities and community colleges, and other facilities as part of the Rebuild Illinois plan.
Public health advocates have been trying for years to raise the legal age in Illinois, arguing that people are less likely to become smokers if they haven’t started by the time they turn 21. Last year, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a previous version of the measure.
One new law restores a requirement that students receive a minimum five hours of instruction per school day, but it creates exemptions for students in career development programs and expands online learning options for school districts.
Another new law requires programs funded through the state’s Preschool for All program to collect data on chronic absences and determine what support and resources are needed to work with families to encourage daily attendance.
A third law requires the Illinois Report Card for schools to include data on average daily attendance.