The first of the year passed and so have a few new laws that may have some impact on schools in Illinois.

One law that is aimed specifically at schools is geared toward the curriculum of sex education courses. Health teacher Jamie Walton summed up the law in regards to Antioch Community High School’s teaching of sex ed. “January 1st we were told that we would not only be teaching abstinence based [curriculum], but the law now states that they want to include pregnancy and contraceptives,” said Walton.

Since the law is still new, the school is not sure how these changes will affect health classes.

“Terry Klobnak, our department chair, has talked to administrators asking ‘Where do you want to go with this? Yes, the law has changed, now how exactly do you want us to approach it with our students?’” Walton said. “And that’s the answer we don’t have.”

The one answer they do have is that ACHS is “still going to teach abstinence first and foremost,” said Walton.

In previous years contraception was taught “as a form of family planning.” Walton thinks that this law will give health teachers the opportunity to talk directly to the students about contraception that they can use right now, as opposed to when they’re old enough to be thinking about starting a family.

Although the law may cause some backlash from certain schools who aren’t as willing to change their curriculum, Walton defends the government’s choice.

“We can’t be naive and think that kids aren’t sexually active. But I’d rather kids have the information to protect themselves and make the best decisions for themselves,” said Walton.

Another law that went into effect at the beginning of the year is the new concealed-carry law. When the law passed back in July, Illinois became the last of the 50 states to allow residents to obtain a concealed-carry permit. Concealed-carry restrictive locations range from restaurants to hospitals to parks and, most importantly, schools.

Wilbur Borrero, ACHS dean, explains what the law required Community High School District 117 to do as a district regarding this new law.

“Part of what we have to do by law now is put up a sign by the doors, indicating that you are not allowed to bring your weapon into the building,” said Borrero.

The law requires all signs to be the same size and look the same. These same signs will also be visible at entrances to all of the school’s athletic fields, including the football stadium and McMillen field.

Students may have taken notice to these signs, as they were put up on the first of the year.

“The first time I saw the signs was in the library and then I saw it on the back doors, and it kind of just creeped me out that someone might possibly have a gun on them,” said senior Olivia Guzzardo.

Borrero doesn’t see much changing with school security. “We’re always cautious and always vigilant, just as we always have been,” Borrero said.

With Turnabout and Prom coming up, another new law might put a damper on the unnatural glow of some students.

Jenna Diemer, owner of mobile spray tan business Killer Tan, believes the new ban on underage tanning prevents unnecessary risks.

“The new tanning law in Illinois bans anyone under the age of 18 from using any tanning equipment that uses UV light,” said Diemer. “Younger tanning bed users are more at risk because they may not know about the importance of using lotions and eye protection.”

The government also tacked on a 10 percent tax on all individuals who use indoor tanning services.

Sophomore Amanda England doesn’t agree with the change.

“I feel like the tanning ‘rules’ were smart when you could tan at age 17 and younger. You could only tan once a day and you could only UV tan with a parent’s consent,” England said.

Other students are finding legal alternatives around the law.

“I won’t be 18 until September. I’m planning on going to Wisconsin to tan,” said senior Courtney Carley.

As these new laws go into effect, ACHS students have more adjustments to make and more things to look forward to when they turn 18.