2026 Articles

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

The Department of Public Health adopted amendments to the Hospital Licensing Requirements Part that alter hospital notice rules for emergency personnel and update emergency preparedness provisions.

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 General Assembly enacted the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act (POSPA), which allows a public official to request that their personal information not be publicly posted or displayed by governmental agencies as well as private persons, businesses, and associations. 

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code to update planning and implementation for universal student mental health screenings. 

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Property Tax Code to raise the maximum income limit for the “Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption” to $75,000 for tax year 2026, $77,000 for tax year 2027, and $79,000 for tax year 2028 and beyond. 

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act to prohibit employers from taking adverse actions based on a written notice of a discrepancy involving an employee’s taxpayer number or identification number. 

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Insurance Code to restrict selling or changing accident or health insurance for seniors, including nursing home and long-term care residents.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Safe Gun Storage Act, requiring firearm owners to keep guns inaccessible to minors, at-risk persons, or prohibited individuals by securely storing firearms in a locked container.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to strengthen oversight of unlicensed vehicle sales and certain dealer practices. 

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

On Dec. 5, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that mandatory life sentences are inapplicable to defendants under the age of 21 at the time of the offense.

On Dec. 2, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held a section 2-1401 petition under the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure requires a movant to allege a meritorious defense and facts showing that the movant exercised due diligence in defending against the original action.

On Dec. 9, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a prior theft conviction is admissible to impeach the plaintiff’s credibility.

The Department of Innovation and Technology set out clearer steps for submitting, reviewing, and deciding grievances regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grievance procedures.