2011 Articles

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 lawmakers have amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to exempt certain articles from being subjected to a possessor lien when a motor vehicle is towed. (625 ILCS 5/4-203).

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.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently amended the Alternate Fuels Program, which offers rebates for vehicles that meet certain requirements, so as to reflect amendments to the Alternate Fuels Act enacted in 2003, 2007, and 2009. 35 Ill Adm Code 275.

The Illinois Department of Labor recently amended the rules governing complaints under the Equal Pay in Employment regulations. 56 Ill Adm Code 320.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently amended the Wildlife Code for hunting of raccoons, opossums, striped skunks, red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, woodchucks, ducks, geese, coots, doves, crows, woodcocks, snipes, rails, and teals as authorized by various sections of the Wildlife Code [520 ILCS 5/1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.13, 2.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.18, 2.19, 2.20, 2.23, 2.26, 2.30, 2.33, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.27, 3.28, and 3.29].

The State Board of Elections recently amended the Campaign Finance Act to implement the provisions of Public Act 96-0832.

The Illinois Department of Human Services ("department") recently took over responsibility for the AmeriCorps program, which was originally under the Lieutenant Governor's Office. 77 Ill Adm Code 2250.

The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (board) recently changed its rules regarding its Freedom of Information procedures to keep up with changes to the Freedom of Information Act [5 ILCS 140]. 2 Ill Adm Code 2676.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently amended the Wildlife Code for white-tailed deer hunting using firearms, bow and arrows, and muzzleloading rifles as authorized by various sections of the Wildlife Code [520 ILCS 1.13, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.21, 2.24, 2.25, 2.26, 2.33, 3.5, 3.35].

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

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Children's Health Insurance Program Act and the Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Act to allow children to re-enroll in the Children's Health Insurance Program or the ALL KIDS Health Insurance Program immediately upon paying the required monthly premium. (215 ILCS 106/20; 215 ILCS 170/20).

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.

A circuit court may exercise jurisdiction over a class action against a gas utility alleging that the utility violated state law by attempting to collect debts discharged in bankruptcy, according to the Appellate Court for the First District of Illinois.

The Illinois Supreme Court on March 24, 2011, held that a class action suit involving airline baggage fees was moot because "no motion for class certification was pending" when the airline tendered full relief to the passenger. *5.

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 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.