Jamie Munks

Contributions members of the LGBTQ community have made to society would have to be taught in Illinois’ public schools. Workers, regardless of the size of their employer, will now be protected from discrimination on a number of reasons including race, sex, age, sexual orientation and religion. And distracted drivers who hurt someone while paying attention to their cellphones could face steeper penalties. More than a dozen state laws and policy changes for Illinois kick in July 1. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

On the eve of Illinois’ move into the next phase of reopening its economy, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday struck a victorious tone but also warned that Illinois would reinstitute more stringent restrictions if there’s an eventual backslide in data that illustrates a coronavirus resurgence in the state.