This amendatory act to the Adoption Act adds several categories of people eligible to petition state courts for the appointment of a confidential intermediary to: (1) exchange medical and identifying information with mutually consenting biological relatives; and (2) arrange contact with consenting biological relatives.

School superintendents, assistant superintendents, and directors of special education with at least two years of experience relevant to the role of a principal are now permitted to mentor principal candidates. 23 Ill. Adm. Code 30 (eff. May 6, 2014).

On March 31, 2014, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Second Circuit held, as a matter of first impression, that residential mortgages made by an unlicensed entity are invalid under the Illinois Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987, 205 ILCS 635 ("Mortgage License Act").

The Illinois Municipal Code has been amended to allow municipalities to enact new prohibitions on certain wind energy systems.

The recently enacted Interstate Mutual Emergency Aid Act allows local municipalities to establish mutual aid agreements with government units from other states for the purpose of addressing "emergencies that extend or exceed a jurisdiction's emergency response capabilities."

The Illinois Wage Payment and Collections Act has been amended to modify calculation of the non-waivable administrative fee amount that an employer is required to pay when ordered by the Department of Labor or a court to pay unpaid wages or other compensation to an employee.

The Department of Revenue adopted amendments to the regulations governing the "Retailers' Occupation Tax." 86 Ill. Adm. Code 130 (eff. June 9, 2014).

Applicants for registration as title insurance agents will now have new requirements as part of their application. Whether the applicant is a person, firm, or other type of business organization, they must submit a signed and notarized affidavit affirming that the applicant, or any member, officer, or manager thereof, has never been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony, or a misdemeanor related to thievery or dishonesty.

Going forward, any new benefit increases to Article 12 (park employees' and retirement board employees' annuity and benefit fund) must identify and provide enough additional payments to the fund to cover any increase in cost to the fund that the new benefit creates.

In line with the Clean Water Act's goal of protecting aquatic wildlife, the Pollution Control Board (the "Board") adopted new aquatic life use designations. 35 Ill. Adm. Code 303 (eff. Feb. 13, 2014).

Under the recent concealed carry law, law enforcement agencies are able to submit objections to license applications based upon a reasonable suspicion that an applicant is a danger to himself or the public safety. 430 ILCS 66/15.

The Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act has been amended to allow for the revocation, suspension, or denial of licensure to a funeral service provider if the applicant or licensee engages in a lockout in response to a strike, and the Comptroller has reason to believe that the lockout has negatively impacted consumers.

The General Assembly added a definition of "health care agent" to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act.

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Illinois may bill for group psychotherapy sessions so long as specific timing, size, scope, and documentation requirements are met. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140 (eff. Mar. 13, 2014).

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation adopted amendments regarding real estate appraiser licensing. 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1455 (eff. Dec. 31, 2013).

The Prevailing Wage Act has been amended to extend the period that contractors and subcontractors participating in public works are required to make and retain records for all workers employed by them in their public works projects.

The Illinois State Board of Education adopted amendments effective October 2, 2013, that implement new requirements for individuals seeking endorsements for elementary and middle school education. 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.

Employers may not condition employment or employment benefits on an employee's decision to receive wages on a payroll card.

The Department revised the regulations regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") to implement a provision of federal Public Law 113-79.

Section 5 of the Adoption Act has been amended to expand the definition of "intercountry adoption" and of "preadoption requirements."

The Secretary of State adopted several amendments affecting Commercial Driver Training Schools and applicants for Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL). 91 Ill. Adm. Code 1060 (eff. Nov. 5, 2013).

The School Code has been amended to add and change requirements for renewal and reinstatement of professional educator licenses.