2025 Articles

On June 25, 2025, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a defendant waives their demand for a speedy trial by failing to appear for any court date, even after the speedy-trial period has run.

The Illinois State Board of Investment adopted amendments to the State Employees’ Deferred Compensation Plan Part, adding new age-based catch-up deferral provisions, qualified disaster recovery distributions, and increasing the cash-out limit.

On June 12, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) cannot uphold an indicated finding based on unreliable and inconsistent hearsay because it is against the manifest weight of the evidence.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Unified Code of Corrections. Department of Corrections facilities providing food products are now required to offer “religious dietary food options” upon request.

On March 24, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that declaring property a city landmark does not violate due process if the action is reasonably related to the city’s interest in preservation.

On July 29, 2025, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a victim’s counseling records in a sexual assault case are privileged and a specific showing of need is required to breach that privilege.

On April 25, 2025, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that complaints for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage and defamation per se must allege sufficient facts beyond conclusory allegations or assertions of law to survive a motion to dismiss.

On Oct. 3, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court held that a grand jury indictment should not be dismissed unless the defendant can show “actual and substantial” prejudice that unequivocally infringed on due-process rights.

On Feb. 10, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a dissolution of marriage does not automatically terminate a payable-on-death beneficiary’s rights in an estate.

On Oct. 9, 2024, the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that compliance with the Property Tax Code’s notice requirements satisfies due process, even if attempts to notify the property owner fail.

Amends the Illinois School Code. Provides that Illinois school districts must have an automated external defibrillator available in all educational facilities during the school day and other school-sponsored activities.

On Aug. 26, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a mistake about eligibility for an extended term does not convert a negotiated plea into an open plea.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Stalking No Contact Order Act. This amendment expands the previous definition of “courses of conduct” that qualify under the Act, providing that using an electronic tracking system or device to determine the location or travel patterns of a petitioner is prohibited. 

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. This Act furthers the public policy interest that employees should not be subject to retaliation from their employers for choosing not to participate in employer-sponsored meetings.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. The Act implements protections for Illinois employees by prohibiting employers from requiring participation in or penalizing employees for refusing to participate in employer-sponsored meetings and activities that are intended to communicate the employer’s religious or political beliefs. 

The Illinois General Assembly amended the One Day Rest In Seven Act. Employers may not retaliate against an employee because they exercised a right under the Act, filed a complaint with their employer, instituted proceedings under the Act, or testified in an investigation or proceeding under the Act. I

On Feb. 14, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a release of claims procured through fraudulent concealment or misrepresentation does not constitute a knowing waiver of protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Employers are now required to retain copies of employee pay stubs for three years following the date of payment, regardless of whether the employee in question is still employed.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. The amendment provides that employers cannot require work authorization verification requirements that exceed those required by federal law.

On Nov. 21, 2024, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that evidence obtained in a police search was admissible when a computer system glitch prevented officers from discovering that a warrant was withdrawn.