2011 Articles

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).

The court found that, despite Petitioner Kristina Baniak's claims, the lower court had subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case regarding attorney's fees and that Baniak had waived all other issues raised in her appeal.

An Illinois court affirmed a decision denying Chrysler Canada, Inc.'s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction because Chrysler had sufficient minimum contacts.

An Illinois Appellate Court found that a prior court's resolution of an issue arising under federal patent law was sufficient to allow a state court to claim subject matter jurisdiction where there were no other remaining issues arising under federal patent law.

The Children and Family Services Act has been amended to prohibit the Department of Children and Family Services from employing sexually dangerous persons.

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 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).

The Use Tax Act and Service Use Tax Act have been amended to broaden the definition of a "retailer" or "serviceman" who is "maintaining a place of business in this state." 35 ILCS 105/2; 35 ILCS 110/2.

The Children's Health Insurance Program Act, Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code have been amended to require the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the dental community and other organizations to develop a dental home for children covered under the Acts. (215 ILCS 106/65 new; 215 ILCS 170/54 new; 305 ILCS 5/5-5.06 new).

The State Finance Act has been amended to extend the Domestic Violence Fund to persons entered into civil unions. 30 ILCS 105/6z-72.

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to authorize the Secretary of State to reinstate the driver's license of a person whose license was suspended for failure to pay traffic-related fines or penalties if the person enters into a payment plan with a municipality.

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).