Legal Updates

By Ros Lederman

Ros Lederman, a freelance writer and fact checker, has been writing since she could put a pen to paper, back when that was what “writing” meant. She pursued all forms of writing through graduate school, finding her home writing about all things medical and healthcare. She also branched out into the world of digital accessibility, driven by passion and personal experience living with disabilities.

Fact checked by Shannon Sparks

Illinois Artificial Intelligence in Employment

Effective January 2026

The Illinois Human Rights Act defines caregivers as a protected class. This amendment (PA 103-0804) extends that protection and prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to discriminate against protected classes in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and other employment activities.

Illinois Medical Aid in Dying Act (SB 1950)

Effective September 2026

Also known as Deb’s Law, the act defines aid in dying as “an end-of-life care option that allows a qualified patient to obtain a prescription for medication pursuant to this Act.” The law aims to ease unnecessary pain and suffering. It is named after Deb Robertson, an Illinois resident with a terminal illness who has been a longtime advocate for a peaceful, dignified, and autonomous end-of-life option.

Credit for Caring Act of 2025 (HR 2036)

Introduced to the U.S. House; not yet passed

The Credit for Caring Act of 2025 is the latest iteration of legislation first introduced in 2016. The bill would create a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualifying family caregivers with an earned income of at least $7,500 for the tax year. Care recipients must also meet functional and cognitive requirements. The bipartisan bill has strong support from the public and organizations such as AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association.