There are seven new laws that take effect in Chicago in 2021 and here are a few of them:
Minimum Wage
On July 1, 2021, as part of an ordinance passed in 2019, Chicago’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour at large businesses and $14.50 an hour for workers at businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Also on July 1, the minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $9.00 an hour, with employees required to make up the difference if base wage plus tips do not equal $15.00 an hour.
Parking Meter Rates
Parking meter rates for the $2-per-hour zone increased to $2.25 per hour on Jan. 2. Rates in the $4.50 and $7.00 zone remain unchanged, however.
Automated Speed Enforcement
Beginning on March 1, anyone driving 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit in speed camera zones will receive a ticket.
Those traveling traveling 6-10 MPH over the speed limit will be fined $35 and vehicles driving 11 miles or more over the speed limit will be fined $100.
Starting on Jan. 15, a 44-day warning period will begin for those caught speeding between 6 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Those drivers will receive a warning by mail.
A map of the City's speed cameras and Children's SafetyZones can be found at https://webapps1.chicago.gov/traffic/.
Extension of Business Relief
In order to bring relief to businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the city is "extending critical relief efforts and renewal dates into 2021," the mayor's office said.
Under the new law, all existing sidewalk cafes can continue to operate until May 1, 2021 without needing to renew or pay a renewal fee.
In additional, all expired business and vehicle licenses between March 15, 2020 and June 15, 2021 will not need to pay a renewal fee until July 15, 2021. Those with expired licenses during that time will have until July 15, 2021 to renew without paying a late fee.
You can read the rest of the laws that go into effect HERE.