In 2006, the IL General Assembly passed a new law which requires the placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in residences.  This law is effective January 1, 2008.

This new law mandates that every dwelling unit must be equipped with at least one

approved carbon monoxide alarm in operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.  A dwelling unit, defined as a room or suite of rooms used for human habitation, would include a single family residence as well as each living unit of a multiple family residence and each living unit in a mixed use building.

The law does exempt several situations 1) residential units that are in buildings that do not rely on combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation or hot water; and 2) residential units that are not connected in any way to a garage; and 3) residential units that are not sufficiently close to any ventilated source of carbon monoxide.  Building that have electric heat are also exempt.

Willful failure to install a detector is a Class B misdemeanor.  Tampering with, or removing, destroying, disconnecting an alarm (except in inspection or maintenance) is a Class A misdemeanor.