Subject Index Legislation

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If signed into law, legislation recently passed by both houses of the Illinois General Assembly would provide greater protection for abused spouses.

On March 1, 2001, the Illinois Department of State Police (department) adopted emergency rules to section 1293 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 20 Ill Adm Code 1293.

On April 1, 2001, the Illinois Department of Aging (department) amended and adopted several new sections to section 270 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 89 Ill Adm Code 270.

On March 20, 2001, the Illinois Attorney General adopted amendments to section 475 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 14 Ill Adm Code 475.

Certain broadcasting employees may soon enjoy greater freedom under a recent bill passed by both the Illinois House and Senate.

Municipalities may soon have the authority to pass ordinances prohibiting the use or sale of certain fireworks on public property.

Currently, state funding for indigent defense of criminal charges is available only in capital cases.

Some Illinois teens may soon find it more difficult to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products. House Bill 1034 would raise the current minimum age to purchase such products from 18 to 19.

The Illinois House Agriculture Committee unanimously approved a bill intended to reduce incidents of "animal hoarding" in the state.

The Illinois House of Representatives has approved legislation that would toughen the state's stance against hate crimes.

Citing a recent Supreme Court opinion, Illinois criminal defendants have successfully argued for a reduction in court-imposed sentences where the length of sentence was based on certain factors not proven during their trial.

State Representative Larry McKeon (D-Chicago) has introduced a bill that would make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal in Illinois.

Under legislation proposed by State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), police officers would have to record the race of every driver stopped or ticketed.

Although Democrats maintained their slight majority in the Illinois House while Republicans held their slim lead in the Senate, political onlookers are likely to notice at least one change from 2000; this spring's legislative session promises to be much busier than last.

Under Senate Bill 20, persons driving under the influence in school speed zones would be guilty of aggravated DUI.

Representative Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, hopes a new proposal will cut down on the number of "rubbernecking" drivers who fail to yield to emergency vehicles.

Under current Illinois law, courts may permit children under 18 who are witnesses in certain criminal prosecutions like sexual assault, predatory sexual assault of a child, and sexual abuse to testify via closed-circuit television outside the courtroom if the judge determines that in-court testimony would result in the child suffering serious emotional distress.

If approved by the General Assembly, a new legislative proposal would help protect Illinois citizens from agreements or judgments that attempt to conceal public hazards.

Persons who damage or deface property may now face stiffer penalties as a result of a new Illinois law.

On November 6, 2000, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) adopted emergency rules to section 546 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

As one of its few acts during the fall veto session, the 91st Illinois General Assembly accepted Gov. George H. Ryan's amendatory veto of crime legislation.

Gov. George H. Ryan approved legislation that mandates background checks of all applicants seeking employment at park districts or school districts.

Students who do not want to take part in classroom dissections no longer have to under the newly created Dissection Alternatives Act.

In early June, Gov. George H. Ryan approved legislation that will let consumers know if they are buying gasoline containing the methanol derivative methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).

Gov. George H. Ryan approved legislation that ensures legal representation for young minors suspected of murder or sex offenses.

Legislation approved this summer prohibits the sale of thin, marijuana look-alike cigarettes called bidis.

A law requiring motorists on Illinois highways to use tarpaulins or covers in some instances will now require many of those same vehicles to have effective tailgates.

Drivers operating amplified stereo systems that can be heard for more than 75 feet outside the vehicle are once again subject to punishment by state law.

Beginning next year, Illinois law enforcement officials will have an additional incentive to identify members of streetgangs.