Illinois lawmakers are kicking off 2026 by implementing 287 new laws that will go into effect on New Year’s Day. Included in the new laws is Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s long-touted elimination of the 1% grocery tax in the state budget. However, over half of Illinois’ municipalities have enacted local versions to make up for the lost revenue. Chicago and Springfield are two of the largest cities to reject the tax.  Other new laws beginning Jan. 1 include: restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in hiring practices and in schools, higher education cost transparency, a ban on toxic materials in baby food, allowing 7th and 8th graders to enroll in high school courses and a designation for the soybean to become the official state bean. There are many more. To read more about Illinois’ new laws, visit illin.is/2026laws.