By AP/KWMU
Springfield, IL – Among Illinois' new laws are measures that:
- Prohibit "tongue splitting" as a cosmetic measure.
- Prohibit driving in the left lane of highways for more than a half mile.
- Require police to record the race of the driver in traffic stops.
- Increase the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $5.50 starting today (Jan. 1), increasing to $6.50 on Jan. 1, 2005.
- Require insurance companies to cover contraceptives.
- Require equal pay for men and women doing identical jobs.
- Limit the number of passengers newly licensed drivers under 18 may carry for the first six months.
- Require booster safety seats in cars for children eight and under.
- Ban "English only" rules in workplaces.
- Extend the time in which clerics accused of sexual abuse may be prosecuted or sued, as well as the time victims of "gender violence" have to sue.
- Require insurance companies to divulge their 19th century ties to slavery policies.