4. Recognizing that some conditions respond better to therapeutic
qualities of cannabis than traditional medication, the General
Assembly passed legislation allowing patients suffering from certain
specific conditions to use medical marijuana with their doctors’
permission. The Illinois Department of Public Health is in charge of
setting up the system. Learn more.
House Bill 1

5. Under previous Illinois law, young people were allowed to tan
with their parents’ permission. However, study after study has
demonstrated that tanning – particularly during your formative
years – greatly increases the risk of cancer. The new law prohibits
all commercial tanning facilities from allowing people younger
than 18 to tan unless they have a doctor’s prescription.
Underage tanning in private homes is still allowed.
House Bill 188

6. However, schools still have the ability to opt out of sex ed all
together, and parents can take their kids out of the classes if they
find the content objectionable. Read more here.
House Bill 2675

7. If your insurance covers breast cancer treatment, it is required, BY
LAW, to pay for breast reconstruction and prostheses. Starting this
year, the Department of Public Health is charged with making
sure you know about this important requirement. Read more
here.
HB 3175

8. Starting this year, doctors are required to inform women if dense
breast tissue shows up in a mammogram. Dense breast tissue
makes it harder to detect potentially cancerous tumors, and you
may want to seek additional screening tests. Read more here.
SB 2314

9. Read a complete list of
health laws that took effect on
January 1.
Illinoissenatedemocrats.com