New laws effective Oct. 1

Public Act 13-301 establishes inheritance rights of children born after the death of a married parent.

To deter distracted driving, Public Act 13-271 increases penalties and the fines for using a hand-held cell phone or other electronic device while driving and creates a task force to study prevention of distracted driving

Public Act 13-183 requires that any food that contains genetically engineered materials be clearly labeled. This law is dependent on neighboring states’ legislation.

Sex trafficking crimes will be hit harder with Public Act 13-166, which makes the funds gained from the seizure of property or money gained through sexual exploitation to be deposited into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund instead of the General Fund. Also expands the offenses that allow for the seizure of property.

Public Act 13-47 further defines sexual assault as contact with someone who can’t consent because their mental or physical condition makes them impaired to resist or consent.

A town’s excessive noise ordinance is on an objective standard under Public Act 13-174.

Public Act 13-297 makes intentionally interfering with the report of child abuse a class D felony.

A mattress stewardship program that gives money to people who recycle their mattresses was created under Public Act 13-42.

Public Act 13-234 defines licensing requirements for tattoo artists and requires the completion of a course on prevention of disease transmission and the holding of first aid certification.

Mixed martial arts matches are now permitted to be held in the state with the same regulation as with boxing matches under Public Act 13-259.

Public Act 13-92 takes 50 percent of the additional fees collected for tickets given out in work zones to be deposited in the work zone safety account in the Special Transportation Fund.

Benefits for members of the armed forces that were discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell will now have their benefits reinstated because of Public Act 13-48.