2026 Articles

The Office of the Secretary of State added the section Mobile Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards to the Part titled Issuance of Licenses, allowing individuals who hold a current and valid physical Illinois driver’s license to apply for a mobile driver’s license.

On Oct. 23, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court held that a petitioner seeking a certificate of innocence must prove innocence of every offense charged, including counts the state nol-prossed in a plea agreement in addition to the offense for which that petitioner was incarcerated.

On Oct. 31, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a defendant received ineffective assistance of counsel where the trial counsel failed to object to, and even stipulated to, other-crimes evidence that had been barred before trial. Counsel also failed to object to hearsay testimony that bolstered the complaining witness’s credibility, as well as referenced the same inadmissible hearsay testimony multiple times at trial.

On Oct. 15, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that even when current pattern jury instructions do not fully track existing law, the error is not sufficient to overturn a conviction when it does not prejudice the defendant.

The Department of Revenue adopted an amendment to the Part titled Real Estate Transfer Tax Law, allowing for the use of electronic signatures on electronically transmitted transfer declarations.

On Oct. 8, 2025, the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that the Workers’ Compensation Act’s exclusive-remedy provision barred an employee’s negligence and intentional-misconduct claims against his employer after a coworker struck him in the head with a shovel during a psychotic episode.

The General Assembly enacted the Commission on Youth Sports Act, establishing the Commission on Youth Sports. The commission will gather and evaluate community feedback and make recommendations to the governor, the General Assembly, and the Department of Human Services concerning youth in sports. 

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the exclusion of a defendant’s mother did not violate his right to a public trial.

The General Assembly amended the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to protect abortion medications if the federal government restricts approval of those drugs.

On Nov. 17, 2025, the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that an implied-in-fact contract may be established through the parties’ facts and conduct, and that a single cognizable form of damages is sufficient to state a claim.

The Department of Agriculture adopted a new Part titled Local Food Infrastructure Grant, implementing the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act.

The General Assembly amended the School Code to prohibit schools and law enforcement from issuing monetary fines, fees, tickets, or citations to students for municipal code violations committed on school grounds during school hours or while taking school transportation. 

The General Assembly amended the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to require the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop clear, definitive guidelines for developing threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans.

The Department of Revenue adopted amendments to the Part titled Income Tax, expanding the regulatory framework applicable to entities engaged in small consumer lending.

The General Assembly enacted the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act, which provides that parents involved with the Illinois child welfare system are guaranteed certain rights. 

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that trust assets may not be used to pay off an encumbrance absent express terms of the decedent’s trust or will establishing intent for trust assets to be used for the encumbrance.