There are a whopping 255 new laws on the books in Springfield that are set to take effect on Jan. 1.

Actually, the state Democrats and Republicans both released their list of “laws we should know.”

Here’s what the Democrats think you should know:

And here are the laws the Republicans think you should know (they didn’t make a snappy video).

The fine folks at WTTW did a great summary of the laws you should be aware of, as well. Here is a smattering of the big ones:

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

On January 1st, Illinois becomes the 11th state to legalize recreational pot. Here’s the actual law, if you’d like to read it. You still can’t grow it without a license, but if you are over 21, you can buy and smoke it (just not in public).

NEW RULES FOR THE ROAD

Some changes are coming about what is not allowed on Illinois’ roadways. Beginning January 1, Senate Bill 87/PA 101-0189 will make it illegal for vehicles to have tinted or smoked lights. Law enforcement officials say these lights often make it difficult to see the vehicle.

Also, starting in the new year, Senate Bill 86/PA 101-0297 will add to the current ban on cell phone use while driving by prohibiting drivers from operating a vehicle while also watching or streaming video on a device.

BABY CHANGING STATIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

(HB3711/PA 101-0293): Provides that every public building with restrooms open and accessible to the public shall have at least one safe, sanitary, convenient, and publicly accessible baby diaper changing station that is accessible to women entering a restroom provided for use by women, and at least one baby diaper changing station that is accessible to men entering a restroom provided for use by men, or at least one baby diaper changing station that is accessible to both men and women. Requires signage at or near the entrance of the restroom indicating the

PASSING STOPPED SCHOOL BUS FINE INCREASE

(HB 1873/PA 101-0055): Raises the fine for passing a school bus that is stopped and has its visual signals (stop arm) displayed, from $150 to $300 for the first offense, and from $500 to $1,000 for the second or subsequent offense.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE PENALTY

(SB 1496/PA 101- 0172): Increases the fine from $10,000 to $25,000 for failing to reduce speed and make a lane change when possible when approaching a construction zone.

SCOTT’S LAW UPDATES

(SB 1862/PA 101-0173): Increases penalties for violating Scott’s Law. Creates the Scott’s Law Fund to produce materials to educate motorists on approaching stationary emergency vehicles and to hire of duty ISP troopers to enforce Scott’s Law. Requires a motorist who is not able to change lanes to reduce speed and leave a safe distance between them and the stationary vehicles. Allows motorists to move out of dedicated lanes if they’re doing so to comply with Scott’s Law.

TINTED/SMOKED VEHICLE LIGHTS

(SB 87/PA 101-0189): Prohibits the use on roadways of motor vehicles with lighting that has a smoked or tinted lens or cover.

STREAMING VIDEO WHILE DRIVING BAN (duh).

(SB 86/PA 101-0297): Amends the Vehicle Code. Adds to the current ban on cell phone use while driving
to state that drivers cannot operate a vehicle while watching or streaming video.

ILLINOIS HISTORY CLASS IN SCHOOLS (from WTTW)

Starting with the 2020-2021 school year, all American history courses in Illinois must include the history of the Prairie State. “Teaching our future leaders their state’s history is a major step toward a better Illinois,” said Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., who sponsored SB1601, in a statement. “It is important that our students learn how our state got to this point, so they can get a deeper understanding of society and, hopefully, join the process of improving Illinois.”

Check out the full WTTW wrap-up which includes new laws for everything from changing your name after a divorce to redefining “local food” to fire alarms in dog kennels to gender-neutral bathrooms.