2010 Articles

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. 

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to hold property owners liable for unreasonable obstruction of designated aisles or parking spaces specifically reserved for persons with disabilities. 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.8.

Illinois lawmakers in recent months stiffened penalties for activities associated with animal and dog fighting. 

Supervisors of minors driving with instruction permits are now subject to stricter penalties if they use alcohol or drugs while accompanying or instructing the minors. (625 ILCS 5/11-507)  

Those who own mobile homes in declared disaster areas are now provided a delay of penalties and sale by the Illinois General Assembly. 35 ILCS 515/9.3.

Under amendments to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a vehicle parking pass for a person with a disability may only be used by the authorized holder. 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.2.

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). 

On September 23, 2010, the Supreme Court of Illinois held that the Circuit Court of Champaign County's finding of probable cause at the hearing on plaintiff's petition to rescind his statutory summary suspension, pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1, did not bar the issue of probable cause from re-litigation in a civil suit for malicious prosecution.

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.

Illinois lawmakers amended the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act by adding a new provision that will take effect on January 1, 2013. 

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

The Illinois General Assembly has amended the Criminal Code of 1961 (Code) to provide for stiffer penalties for those who commit crimes on school property. 

Recruiting minors into street gangs is now a Class 1 felony, under recent amendments to the Criminal Code of 1961. 

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 Department of Financial and Professional Regulation recently amended regulations that create enforcement mechanisms for several sections of the Illinois Dental Practice Act, 225 ILCS 25/1 et seq.

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

 Penalties for theft have been adjusted by Illinois lawmakers to increase the value of property covered by minimum misdemeanor and felony sentencing. 720 ILCS 5/16-1.