Illinois had a record number of visitors in 2011, with more than 93 million tourists. The state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said the state saw an 8.4 percent bump last year, bringing in over $31 billion for the state economy.
Illinois legislation will raise fines for people that misuse disabled parking tags to $600 next year. The new law also imposes a $1,000 fine on any healthcare provider that knowingly falsifies the certification that allows someone to get a disability plate or parking decal.
Illinois drivers are coming under more pressure to stay off their cell phones. Governor Pat Quinn has signed four new laws aimed at making state roadways safer. Three of them confront the problem of drivers becoming distracted by talking and texting on their cell phones.
