(MCT) — In Illinois, weighty issues such as government worker pension reform and the state's precarious financial situation remain unresolved heading into the new year. State lawmakers, however, did manage to ban the sale of shark fins and slap a new tax on strip clubs.

The two measures are among more than 150 laws taking effect Tuesday. That number is down by about 50 compared with a year ago — 2012 was an election year, and with all House and Senate seats on the ballot, self-preservation was a primary focus for many at the Capitol.