Subject Index Legislation

The Illinois Vehicle Code was recently amended to require that persons holding a security interest in a vehicle, who are in possession of the certificate of title, must release the security interest within 21 days after receiving payment in satisfaction. 

State's attorneys may create bad check diversion programs within their offices, which would allow qualified offenders to participate in the program instead of being prosecuted for the offense. 

Effective the first of the year, an inmate cannot file more than one post-conviction petition in the trial court, under 725 ILCS 5/122-1, without leave of court.

Effective immediately, when the Illinois Commerce Commission orders the installation of luminous flashing signal or crossing gate devices at a particular grade crossing.

The Detection of Deception Examiners Act was recently amended to clarify that the Act does not prohibit the use of a voice stress analyzer by any trained.

An amendment to the Illinois Procurement Code, effective January 1, 2004, provides that no person or business who was found to have willfully or knowingly violated §42 of the Environmental Protection Act.

Effective immediately, the Department of Public Aid may not require those receiving public aid assistance from the state to make a co-payment if they receive generic prescription drugs.

The Transmitters of Money Act ("TOMA") now provides that authorized sellers engaging in the business of transmitting money on behalf of a licensee must conspicuously display a disclosure notice supplied by the licensee.

Effective immediately, premises licensed for alcohol consumption are limited in the types of materials they may use on those premises.

Effective January 1, 2004, the state will require more effective information sharing between consumers and facilities making car repairs. 

Effective January 1, 2004, the Criminal Code is amended to hold those responsible for corporate misconduct criminally accountable.

An employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or has a family or household member who is a victim, may take 12 weeks per year of unpaid leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence issues, pursuant to the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act.

Beginning January 1, 2004, all public bodies must keep a verbatim record of all of their closed meetings in the form of an audio or video recording.

As of January 1, 2004, anyone filing a complaint against a sworn peace officer must have his or her complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. Previously, the complaint did not require such verification.

The Illinois Procurement Code was recently amended to prohibit any businesses whose officer, director, partner or managerial agent has been convicted of a felony under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2003.

The Legislature added a provision to the Home Repair Fraud Act providing that if a person commits aggravated home repair fraud.

Employers (excluding governmental entities) are now prohibited from making, adopting or enforcing any rule, regulation or policy that prevents an employee from disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency if that employee reasonably believes the information discloses a violation of a state or federal law.

Effective January 1, 2004, any person over the age of 18 who supplies alcohol or illegal drugs to a minor will be liable for any death or injuries to people or property caused by the drug or alcohol impairment of that minor.

A person commits criminal synthetic drug manufacturing conspiracy when, with the intent that a controlled substance be manufactured or produced, the person aids in the manufacture or production of a synthetic controlled substance.

On August 21, 2003, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the judgments of the appellate and circuit courts granting summary judgment in favor of the defendants.

The Illinois Police Training Act has been amended to require training of police officers to conduct electronic interrogations.

The Illinois Criminal Code has been amended to criminalize the use of a dangerous place for the commission of a substance or cannabis offense.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich recently signed into law six bills aimed at eliminating problems that have raised questions about the integrity of Illinois' criminal justice system.