Law New is a term often used to describe firms, startups and law firm subsidiaries that offer legal services in new ways. Often, this means working with underserved communities or using strategies that haven’t been used in the past. While the field is still relatively young, it’s one that requires close attention because of its rapid changes and growing popularity.
A new year brings new laws — but some will have a larger impact than others. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting legislation that went into effect on Jan. 1 across California and the country.
The process by which a bill becomes law starts in Congress. A senator or representative can introduce a bill to create a new law, and the bill will go through a research, discussion, and change process before being voted on in a committee or by the entire body of the House or Senate. If a bill passes, it can be sent to the other chamber of Congress for consideration, and then passed again before being signed into law by the president.
CHICAGO (WLS) — A new year comes with a new set of laws that take effect on January 1, and they’re covering everything from public safety to hairstyles. The Illinois SAFE-T Act, a major criminal justice reform package, will update rules governing jail time while awaiting trial and the use of force by police. It will also abolish cash bail in the state. But days before it was set to take effect, a judge ruled that part of the bill is unconstitutional.
To help combat gender discrimination, this law bans stores from charging different prices for products marketed to men and women. This includes shampoos and other personal care items that are often priced higher for women, which is referred to as the “pink tax.” The law will also require health insurance plans to cover hormone therapy treatments for women who undergo hysterectomies or other procedures that induce menopause.
This law will allow a person with a latex allergy to receive emergency medical care without risk of being exposed to allergens. It will also ban hospitals from requiring workers to wear latex gloves, but it won’t stop the use of gloves by doctors or nurses in operating rooms and other areas where patients are at high risk.
The City’s law and rule changes, including those made during the 2022 special session, are listed on the new laws search page. You can switch which year you’re searching for on the fly, and you can also see laws that were vetoed or did not pass during that legislative period.