Legislative News

Concerns persist about this anti-redlining program.

New restrictions on eminent domain, another crack at grand-parents" visitation, and more.

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reports from Springfield on two family law bills recently signed into law: (PA 97-189)-Penalty for False reporting of child abuse or neglect enhanced to a Class 4 felony and (PA 97-186)-two changes affecting past-due child support.

A summary of key legislation from this year's session.

Proposed legislation would allow public officials to attend meetings electronically under specified circumstances. 

Family law practitioners now have 10 years to sue clients in an independent action for unpaid fees. 

A review of the legislature's response to Kelo, which takes effect January 1.

Is the new statute constitutionally infirm like its predecessor?

Effective January 1, grandparents can petition for visitation during a divorce and after some types of adoptions.

Soon-to-be-effective changes to the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act will give authorities new power to intervene when elderly people can't take care of themselves.

This law, effective January 1, is designed to protect soon-tobe-forclosed landowners from a "rescue" scam.

An executive order shuts down a controversial program to combat predatory lending.

Under the direct participant theory, recently adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court, a parent business that guides its subsidiary's activities may be liable for the subsidiary's torts.

Mortgage fraud and bifurcated closings were among the issues for this year's General Assembly.

Highlights of this year's legislative session.

But critics of the legislation say lack of resources, not a too-high commitment standard, is the problem with Illinois' mental health system.

Illinois becomes the 24th state to allow wrongful-death plaintiffs to recover for their grief, sorrow, and mental suffering at the loss of their loved one.

A major overhaul of DUI law doubles the summary-suspension period and requires offenders to submit to alcohol monitoring devices in return for driving permits. Critics charge that it will produce unintended consequences, including fewer guilty pleas.

Has the second district made it easier for a party to a real estate contract to make a counter offer disguised as a mere "modification"?

Complainants under the Illinois Human Rights Act can now file in circuit court instead of with state agencies. This brings Illinois into line with federal practice and that of 38 states.