Subject Index Legislation

The Real Estate License Act has been amended to enable managing broker licensees, brokers, and leasing agents more flexibility in renewing their license. (225 ILCS 454/5-50) 

The Illinois General Assembly has placed restrictions on the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers on the lawn of Illinois Residents. (415 ILCS 65/2).

The Code of Civil Procedure is amended to provide special provisions for those who have served their country. (735 ILCS 5/15-1501.5) 

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended by Illinois lawmakers, making stiffer penalties for drivers speeding on Illinois highways. (625 ILCS 5/11-601.5)

Illinois attorneys now have 30 days following their court-approved withdrawal from representation of a client to petition the court for the reasonable compensation for their services. (755 ILCS 5/27-2)

The Illinois General Assembly amended the criminal code regarding aggravated unlawful use of a weapon to include specific penalties for the unlawful possession of a fi rearm by a street gang member.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has been granted the power to provide financial assistance to qualifying Illinois homeowners.

State lawmakers have amended the State Commemorative Dates Act to celebrate Children's Day. (5 ILCS 490/125). The second Sunday in June is now Children's Day (El Dia de los Ninos).  

State lawmakers amended the Historic Preservation Agency Act to provide free admission to museums that receive state funding for former prisoners of war who are residents of Illinois. (20 ILCS 3405/27). 

The Probate Act of 1975 now provides guidelines regarding consent by guardians for the sterilization of a ward. (755 ILCS 5/11a-17.1). 

Illinois lawmakers amended the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to allow electronic home detention as an appropriate form of sentencing for wards of the court. 705 ILCS 405/5-7A-101.

The general assembly recently created a 29-member council tasked with developing Illinois forestry. 525 ILCS 15/6b. 

The Illinois General Assembly recently amended the School Code to provide aid for children through Illinois community schools. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.148.

The general assembly recently dropped a minimum age requirement for applicants to the University of Illinois. 

A School Wind and Solar Generation Program has been created by the Illinois General Assembly. 20 ILCS 3501/825-100.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill protecting Interscholastic Associations from certain civil liabilities. According to the Interscholastic Association Defamation Act, associations with the purpose of "promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics" are immune from defamation claims, with the exception of claims involving actual malice.

Notice of an order of protection is now more widely available at the request of a petitioner. 

Victims of stalking may file a "no contact order" under a new law passed by the Illinois General Assembly. 

Motorists without automobile insurance who harm another person could face nearly one year in prison under a new law passed last year by the Illinois General Assembly. 

Thieves of precious and scrap metals could have their vehicles seized if the vehicle is used to steal the metal, under a new law passed by state lawmakers. 

The Department of Natural Resources has been charged with running a year-long pilot program focused on harvesting Silver Carp and Bighead Carp, two invasive species in the Illinois River, in order to facilitate an increase in population of native fish.

Illinois lawmakers amended multiple Acts with the aim of facilitating cross-reporting between those charged with investigating possible animal and child abuse and neglect violations.

Following the governor's decree, the United States flag and Illinois State flag fly at half-staff to honor those Illinois residents who are members of the armed forces and die by hostile fire or who are law enforcement officers and die in the line of duty.

State lawmakers recently strengthened laws and penalties for dealing in counterfeit goods. 

New amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure clarify that evidence to prove a victim's prior sexual behavior or reputation is generally not admissible in a civil trial. 735 ILCS 5/8-2801.

State lawmakers recently allowed for the creation of Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies (called L3Cs) for groups advancing educational or charitable purposes.

State lawmakers recently beefed up sunshine laws to help ensure open and transparent government. (For more, see Two Cheers for the New Freedom of Information Act in the February IBJ.)