Our state’s biggest problem – its yawning, multibillion pension shortfall – remains unsolved, but our state lawmakers did accomplish a few things in 2012.

More than 150 new laws will take effect this year, and most Illinoisans will be affected by them in one way or another.

Many new laws are aimed at protecting public safety. New restrictions on gun permits require that authorities be notified if a person has a “mental disability” that would make it dangerous for them to possess a gun. There also are stronger penalties for adults who allow underage drinking on their property.