Warning to Ghanaians in Illinois, USA

New laws going into effect in Illinois on Jan. 1 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - More than 200 new laws will go into effect in Illinois come Jan. 1. Below are a number that could have an immediate or significant impact on residents' lives:

SPEEDING:

The maximum speed limit on tollways and interstate highways in Illinois will increase to 70 mph, up from 65 mph.

The bill is SB2356

TEEN TANNING:

Tanning facilities may not permit anyone less than 18 years of age to use tanning equipment, regardless of whether the person has permission of a parent or guardian.

The bill is HB0131.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA:

Illinois has become the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana in a pilot project with some of the strictest standards in the nation, as of January. However, it may take more than a year to actually purchase marijuana as separate state agencies draft rules that must be approved by a legislative committee.

The bill is HB 1.

IMMIGRANT DRIVERS LICENCES: Illinois is the most populated state to grant drivers licenses to immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. The program, which began last month, will be expanded at locations across the state in January.

The bill is SB957.

17-YEAR-OLD VOTING:

Seventeen-year-olds may now vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the following general election.

The bill is HB0226.

SEX EDUCATION-ABSTINENCE:

Public school sex education courses offered to 6th-12th graders must now cover contraception as well as abstinence. It's unclear how much the impact the new law will have, since many schools say they already teach both.

The bill is HB2675.

"LEMON" PETS:

Pet owners can return a pet or be reimbursed for veterinary costs if an illness was not disclosed by the seller.

The bill is SB1639.

SEX ASSAULT-PARENTAL RIGHTS:

Parental rights will be stripped from men who conceived children through sexual assault.

The bill is HB3128.

SOCIAL NETWORKING:

It will be illegal for a school to ask for a student's social networking password without proper cause.

The bill is HB0064.

METH DISCLOSURE-MOBILE HOMES:

The owner of a mobile-home park must disclose to a potential buyer all information regarding prior methamphetamine production in the property for sale.

The bill is SB2101.

TASER USE:

Every law enforcement agency will be required to submit data on its use of stun guns or Tasers. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is then required to analyze the data and submit a report to the governor.

The bill is HB0131.