New Year, New Laws
A new year always holds the promise of a new, fresh start as well as those hopeful resolutions. This year the Illinois State legislator has made a plethora of new resolutions to brighten 2010. Click here to read. For employers, these laws have opened the door to a number of new exposures.
Have Company Cars – Your Exposed!
Business auto policies pay 100% for losses involving company-owned vehicles, not matter whether the accident occurs on-duty or off-duty. Click to read more about company car liability issues.
- Cell Phones (HB 72/PA 96-0131): Prohibits drivers from using cell phones in school or construction zones unless using a hands-free device.
- Court Fines (SB 1341/PA 96-0625): Imposes an additional $10 fee on any person who receives court supervision for a Vehicle Code violation to be deposited into the Driver’s Education Fund.
- Off Road Vehicles (HB 2455/PA 96-279): Makes several changes to the definition of non-highway vehicles in the Illinois Vehicle Code and requires that all non-highway vehicles operated on a street, highway or roadway be subject to Illinois’ minimum liability insurance limits. A non-highway vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle not specifically designed for use on a public highway including the following: all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, off-highway motorcycles, neighborhood vehicles.
- Texting (HB 71/PA 96-0130): Prohibits people operating a motor vehicle from using an electronic communication device, like a phone or computer, to compose, send or read an electronic message, but does not include a global positioning system, navigation system, or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.
- Trucking (HB 3956/PA 96-0524): Increases the speed limit to 65 mph for big trucks traveling on interstates outside Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.
- Uninsured Motorists (HB 370/PA 96-0143): Increases the penalty for individuals caught operating an uninsured motor vehicle, if that uninsured vehicle causes bodily harm to come to another person.
- Vehicle Seizure (HB 253/PA 96-0502): Allows for the seizure and forfeiture of a motor vehicle driven while the offender’s driver’s license or privileges are suspended or revoked because of a reckless homicide
Provide Employee Benefits – Are You Compliant?
Even though Health Care Reform is ready to be rolled out, there are still new laws on the books that require immediate attention and compliance. Click here to follow where legislation is on Health Care Reform.
- E-Verify (SB 1133/PA 96-0623): Allows employers to use the E-Verify Program and the Basic Pilot Program to help them verify the employment eligibility of new employees.
- Medicaid Payment Penalty (HB 237/PA 96-0802): Establishes that Medicaid bills must be paid within 60 days of receiving the bill and increases late-payment penalties to two percent (now one percent) per month to help providers offset the costs accrued while waiting for the payment, and encourage more prompt payment of bills by the state.
- Wellness (SB 1877/PA 96-0639): Provides that a health insurance policy that provides coverage for treatment on an expense incurred basis, may offer a program for wellness coverage.
Mike Wojcik 