Nearly 100 new Illinois laws take effect Monday

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- From dangerous dog owners to land-grabbing government officials, Illinois state lawmakers cracked down on all kinds of people in nearly 100 new laws that go into effect Monday.

But by far the biggest change in state law for 2007 is something that legislators did 10 years ago and haven't been able to agree on how -- or if -- to undo.

Consumers will pay from 22 percent to 55 percent more for electricity starting in January, as a 10-year state-mandated rate freeze expires. State regulators approved higher rates, set by an auction process, in September, which prompted an election-year rush to block them.

But Democratic legislative leaders couldn't agree on any measure and lawmakers ended their fall veto session without approving another freeze or a phase-in of the rates. They promise to take action when they return in early January but some legislators aren't confident anything will happen.

"Hopefully, we can come up with something better," said state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville. "What happens now, I don't know."

That issue aside, legislators stayed busy changing state law on issues from safety to conducting the business of government.

Homeowners and landlords must now install carbon monoxide detectors in residences and buildings, hoping to prevent deaths from the odorless, colorless gas. About 200 people nationwide die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Owners of buildings that use fossil fuels to cook, heat or provide hot water or that are connected to an enclosed garage must install the detectors within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping.

Two new laws try to prevent attacks by out-of-control dogs.

Advocates say Illinois is the first state to ban felons such as drug dealers and violent criminals from owning dogs that haven't been spayed or neutered or from owning dogs that are deemed vicious and dangerous.

People who engage in dogfighting will face stronger punishment, including up to five years in prison for someone who brings a child to a dogfight.

Local governments will face strict limits on their ability to seize private property for economic development in the new year.

In response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, state lawmakers required governments to meet much higher standards when taking land. They have to explain why the land is necessary and what public benefit it would provide, and they have to give owners more money and reimburse them for relocation costs if they proceed with the land taking.

Government officials also will have to more closely watch how, when and where they're discussing public business.

An amendment to the state's Open Meetings Act expands the definition of a meeting to include video and audio conferences, emails, Internet chat rooms and other forms of communication. So officials now can't talk public business electronically, face-to-face or over the telephone outside of announced public meetings.

Media groups supporting the change say it's important to ensure small factions of officials don't meet privately and then try to drive legislative proposals through the larger body without public discussion.

But some officials say the wording of the change is vague and the restrictions go too far.

"You're inhibiting communications that are just natural. ... That can't be good for any democracy," said Tari Renner, a political-science professor at Illinois Wesleyan University and member of the McLean County Board in central Illinois.

Legislators also dealt with less weighty topics that supporters say are important.

A new law lets people recork and take home wine from restaurants as long as it's wrapped up in a tamperproof bag.

Critics say it will encourage people to drive while drunk, but supporters contend it could have a couple of benefits. People won't be as likely to finish off a bottle of wine before getting behind the wheel, and restaurants could see better business if people know they can take an expensive bottle of wine home.

"At first blush, it can strike one as a frivolous piece of legislation, but it serves a couple of legitimate purposes," said Rep. John Fritchey, the Chicago Democrat who sponsored the measure.

And people who try to fool audiences into thinking they're really The Ramones, M.C. Hammer or The Jackson 5 will now face the wrath of state law.

Copycat musical groups could face fines of up to $50,000, have their performance licenses suspended or be required to pay damages for misrepresenting themselves as the original artists. All live acts will have to advertise they're performing a salute or tribute if they use the name, songs and personas of another group.

Supporters, including Mary Wilson of The Supremes, are pushing to get the law passed in every state to prevent copycats from cashing in on their fame.

"From now on when the public goes to a rock 'n' roll show in the area, they can be sure the artist is the original, and not some rip off band," Wilson said in a statement.