Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles on Legislation

Service men and women granted stay of foreclosure proceedings. PA 096-0901 September 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 452 The Code of Civil Procedure is amended to provide special provisions for those who have served their country. (735 ILCS 5/15-1501.5) 
Stiffer penalties for speeders on Illinois highways. PA 096-1002 September 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 452 The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended by Illinois lawmakers, making stiffer penalties for drivers speeding on Illinois highways. (625 ILCS 5/11-601.5)
Thirty days for lawyers to file for fees and costs following withdrawal from representation. PA 096-0981 September 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 452 Illinois attorneys now have 30 days following their court-approved withdrawal from representation of a client to petition the court for the reasonable compensation for their services. (755 ILCS 5/27-2)
2010 Spring Session Roundup By Jim Covington August 2010 Column, Page 404 A summary of key Illinois legislation passed this spring.
Illinois General Assembly penalizes carrying of firearms and ammunition by street gang members. PA 096-0829 August 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 400 The Illinois General Assembly amended the criminal code regarding aggravated unlawful use of a weapon to include specific penalties for the unlawful possession of a fi rearm by a street gang member.
Illinois Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Program enacted. PA 096-0921 August 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 400 The Illinois Housing Development Authority has been granted the power to provide financial assistance to qualifying Illinois homeowners.
New state holiday: Children's Day. PA 096-0465 August 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 400 State lawmakers have amended the State Commemorative Dates Act to celebrate Children's Day. (5 ILCS 490/125). The second Sunday in June is now Children's Day (El Dia de los Ninos).  
POWs receive free admission to museums. PA 096-0087 August 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 400 State lawmakers amended the Historic Preservation Agency Act to provide free admission to museums that receive state funding for former prisoners of war who are residents of Illinois. (20 ILCS 3405/27). 
Procedures for sterilization of a ward. PA 096-0272 August 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 400 The Probate Act of 1975 now provides guidelines regarding consent by guardians for the sterilization of a ward. (755 ILCS 5/11a-17.1). 
Electronic Home Detention Program now available for juvenile offenders. PA 096-0293 July 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 348 Illinois lawmakers amended the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to allow electronic home detention as an appropriate form of sentencing for wards of the court. 705 ILCS 405/5-7A-101.
Illinois Forestry Development Council created. PA 096-0217 July 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 348 The general assembly recently created a 29-member council tasked with developing Illinois forestry. 525 ILCS 15/6b. 
Illinois General Assembly provides support for community schools and programs. PA 096-0746 July 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 348 The Illinois General Assembly recently amended the School Code to provide aid for children through Illinois community schools. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.148.
University of Illinois admission age eliminated. PA 096-0203 July 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 348 The general assembly recently dropped a minimum age requirement for applicants to the University of Illinois. 
General Assembly creates program to support solar and wind generation projects. 096-0725 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 A School Wind and Solar Generation Program has been created by the Illinois General Assembly. 20 ILCS 3501/825-100.
Illinois Interscholastic Association protected from defamation claims. PA 096-0723 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 Illinois lawmakers passed a bill protecting Interscholastic Associations from certain civil liabilities. According to the Interscholastic Association Defamation Act, associations with the purpose of "promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics" are immune from defamation claims, with the exception of claims involving actual malice.
New law allows for expanded circulation of notice of an order of protection. PA 096-0651 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 Notice of an order of protection is now more widely available at the request of a petitioner. 
No Contact Orders allowed for stalking victims. PA 096-0246 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 Victims of stalking may file a "no contact order" under a new law passed by the Illinois General Assembly. 
Penalties enhanced for uninsured motorists who harm another person. PA 096-0143 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 Motorists without automobile insurance who harm another person could face nearly one year in prison under a new law passed last year by the Illinois General Assembly. 
Vehicles may be seized if used to steal precious or scrap metal. PA 096-0313 June 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 292 Thieves of precious and scrap metals could have their vehicles seized if the vehicle is used to steal the metal, under a new law passed by state lawmakers. 
Asian carp reduction pilot program established. PA 096-0452 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 The Department of Natural Resources has been charged with running a year-long pilot program focused on harvesting Silver Carp and Bighead Carp, two invasive species in the Illinois River, in order to facilitate an increase in population of native fish.
Cross reporting encouraged between Animal Control and the Department of Children and Family Services. PA 096-0494 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 Illinois lawmakers amended multiple Acts with the aim of facilitating cross-reporting between those charged with investigating possible animal and child abuse and neglect violations.
Federal Legislative History - Free Tools at Your Fingertips By Tom Gaylord May 2010 Column, Page 264 Great (and free) Web-based resources.
Flags will fly at half-staff for firefighters. PA 096-0436 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 Following the governor's decree, the United States flag and Illinois State flag fly at half-staff to honor those Illinois residents who are members of the armed forces and die by hostile fire or who are law enforcement officers and die in the line of duty.
Penalties enhanced for selling counterfeit goods. PA 096-0631 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 State lawmakers recently strengthened laws and penalties for dealing in counterfeit goods. 
Prior sexual activity or reputation evidence generally not admissible in civil trials. PA 096-0307 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 New amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure clarify that evidence to prove a victim's prior sexual behavior or reputation is generally not admissible in a civil trial. 735 ILCS 5/8-2801.
State authorizes creation of Low-Profit LLCs. PA 096-0126 May 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 State lawmakers recently allowed for the creation of Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies (called L3Cs) for groups advancing educational or charitable purposes.
Freedom of Information Act laws enhanced. PA 096-0542 April 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 180 State lawmakers recently beefed up sunshine laws to help ensure open and transparent government. (For more, see Two Cheers for the New Freedom of Information Act in the February IBJ.)
Police may confiscate parking passes for disabled if used improperly. PA 96-0072 April 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 180 Under amendments to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a vehicle parking pass for a person with a disability may only be used by the authorized holder. 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.2.
The Sometimes Surprising Practical Implications of Revised UCC Article 1 By Pasha Vaziri* April 2010 Article, Page 204 Article 1 of the Uniform Commercial Code articulates the principles that underlie the remaining articles, and Illinois recently adopted Revised Article 1. Here's what it means.
Stiffer financial consequences for disorderly conduct in schools. PA 096-0413 April 2010 Illinois Law Update, Page 180 Illinois lawmakers have amended the section of the Criminal Code treating disorderly conduct, creating stiffer fines for false reports or threats to schools.
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