Legislative News

A look at this new law, which should make mediation a more attractive alternative to litigation.

The Illinois House has passed, and the Senate is considering, a bill that would limit the power of the parties and the court to bar access to information in litigation involving "public hazards." 

Proponents argue that the "sunshine" proposal before the General Assembly promotes public safety, while opponents charge that it puts trade secrets at risk.

For the third time in 10 years, the Illinois Supreme Court has changed the rule governing when statutes apply to events and litigation that predate their enactment.

A look at selected legislation passed in 2004 and awaiting the Governor's signature.

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation on DNA from registered sex offenders and some arrestees (PA 97-383), juvenile justice (PA 97-362), Open Meetings Act-audits (PA 97-318), FOIA and park districts (97-385), FOIA and "personally identifiable information" (PA-97-342) and Mortgage Foreclosure Article (97-329).

Here's a summary of some of the many recent changes in real estate taxation.

Even seasoned lawyers representing victims of underinsured motorists should beware this trap and encourage legislators to remove it.

It's often hard to tell exactly when a statute takes effect, but the Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau offers guidance for legislative drafters and practicing lawyers.

The Illinois Human Rights Act now prohibits many kinds of discrimination against homosexuals, a fact of which you should apprise your clients – whether they like it or not.

The implications of In re Marriage of Bates.

In Illinois, a recently enacted statute governs would-be parents' contracts with surrogate mothers. Here's a look at what the new law does and doesn't do.

Brief summaries of bills lawyers should know about.

Thanks to the Illinois General Assembly, purveyors of business advice have good news to deliver to their clients.

A new act seeks to clear up confusion about the differing roles of attorney, GAL, and child representative, and expressly authorizes judges to order divorcing spouses into counseling.

Find out more about Illinois estate-tax revisions, series LLCs, and the Disposition of Remains Act.

These new laws, effective January 1, take special aim at drivers responsible for fatalities.

Make no mistake, this is not the workers' comp act you knew two months ago. This article highlights key changes.

A discussion of recent HRRA cases, including a new one from the supreme court holding that the Act doesn't apply to subcontractors.

The bill, now on the governor's desk, specifies that property can be condemned only for a "qualified public use."