Subject Index Legislation

State lawmakers recently passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act to provide persons entering into civil unions the obligations and benefits granted to all spouses under Illinois law.

Illinois lawmakers have abolished the death penalty in Illinois and all existing sentences may not be imposed. (725 ILCS 5/119-1 new). All monies previously held in the Capital Litigation Trust Fund are now to be used to provide services for families of the victims of homicide and to provide training for law enforcement personnel.

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Good Samaritan Act to exempt from civil liability persons who provide free emergency care at building evacuation scenes. (745 ILCS 49/71 new).

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to require vehicle drivers to stop the vehicle and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a crosswalk on the vehicle's side of the road when there are no traffic control signals in operation. (625 ILCS 5/11-1002).

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to modify the Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) issuance procedure for first offenders arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating compounds.

Illinois lawmakers recently expanded the offenses covered by the Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act.

Illinois lawmakers amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to require vehicle drivers to properly adjust and fasten seat safety belts for passengers who are unable to do it themselves. (625 ILCS 5/12-603.1).

It is now a Class B misdemeanor to drive between 31 miles and 39 miles per hour in excess of the maximum speed limit on an Illinois highway. (625 ILCS 5/11-601.5).

State lawmakers recently expanded offenses for which police may seize a vehicle. Vehicles, vessels, and aircrafts operated in Illinois are subject to seizure if the owner knows and consents to the use and that use violates certain laws. (720 ILCS 5/36-1).

Peace officers no longer are required to swear to complaints issued for misdemeanors, under recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. (725 ILCS 5/111-3).

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to require the Department of Transportation to provide upon request copies of written accident reports to federal, state, and local agencies conducting highway safety research and studies. 625 ILCS 5/11-408.  

State lawmakers amended the Department of Human Services Act to ensure payments are received for services treating alcoholism, mental health, and substance abuse.

Illinois lawmakers amended the Code of Civil Procedure to allow correctional institutions, facilities and jails to refuse entry to process servers for security purposes. 735 ILCS 5/2-203.2 new.

The Education for Homeless Children Act has been amended to establish a state grant program to support Illinois school districts in aiding school enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youths. 105 ILCS 45/1-50 new.

Illinois lawmakers have amended the School Code to allow schools to require substitute teacher applicants to pay the full costs of their criminal history checks.

The Illinois General Assembly has amended the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act to provide tax relief for businesses that hire a new worker who was part of the Put Illinois to Work Program in 2010. 35 ILCS 25/10.

The Illinois Public Labor Relations Act has been amended for initial collective bargaining agreements entered into following the original certification of units with fewer than 35 public employees. 5 ILCS 315/7.  

Illinois lawmakers passed the Community Youth Employment Act in order to provide summer job opportunities for Illinois youths.  

Illinois lawmakers have amended the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 to expand the state employee benefits program to cover medically necessary physical therapy and occupational therapy. 5 ILCS 375/6.11A.

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to impose rules governing automated traffic law ordinances enacted by municipalities or counties. 625 ILCS 5/11-208.

The Criminal Code of 1961 is amended by Illinois lawmakers to incorporate virtual presence into possible means of committing the sexual exploitation of children. 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1.

Changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code allow a defense for motorists cited with a parking violation if a parking meter malfunctions because of snow or ice. (625 ILCS 5/11-1307).

Illinois law no longer allows sellers of merchandise to ship additional, similar merchandise to consumers at their expense without the consumer's approval. 815 ILCS 505/2III.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, a county with a population of more than three million is obligated to accept credit card payments for each installment of property taxes. (35 ILCS 200/20-25).

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Clerks of Courts Act to require each circuit court clerk to charge and collect an electronic citation fee of $5. (705 ILCS 105/27.3e).

Under the newly amended Criminal Code of 1961, it is now a Class 4 felony for a person 18 years of age or older to commit public indecency or sexual exploitation of a child within 500 feet of elementary or secondary school grounds when children are present. (720 ILCS 5/11-9; 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1)

Under amendments to the Property Tax Code, property owners can seek reimbursement for taxes paid on annexed property beginning in the 2010 tax year. 35 ILCS 200/20-27.