2014 Articles

The Illinois Gaming Board made three changes to riverboat gambling regulations. 86 Ill. Adm. Code 3000 (eff. Nov. 1, 2013).

The General Assembly amended the procedures by which a limited liability company may waive its right to wind up business and be terminated.

The newly enacted Open Operating Standards Act establishes a protocol for Illinois government agencies to make public data available on the Internet.

Pursuant to the amended Humane Care for Animals Act, a dog owner may tether its dog outdoors so long as tethering will not exacerbate a known condition suffered by the dog.

After January 1, 2014, tanning facilities may no longer permit individuals less than 18 years of age to use tanning equipment that emits ultraviolet radiation or electromagnetic radiation (with wavelengths between 200-400 nanometers).

The Department of Natural Resources passed amendments to the turkey hunting regulations for gun and archery season. 17 Ill. Adm. Code 715, 720 (eff. Nov. 14, 2013).

The Criminal Code has been amended to preclude civil remedies or causes of action against parents, grandparents, or other guardians for eavesdropping on a minor's electronic communications by accessing...The Criminal Code has been amended to preclude civil remedies or causes of action against parents, grandparents, or other guardians for eavesdropping on a minor's electronic communications by accessing the minor's account if done during the guardian's exercise of supervision while the minor is in their "care, custody, or control."

The General Assembly recently added section 1.5 to the Consent by Minors to Medical Procedures Act.

Employees of the Illinois Department of Transportation ("IDOT") without a state real estate appraisal license may now perform valuation waivers if they have: (1) completed at least forty-five hours of course work in real estate appraisal; and (2) have had at least two years of experience in a field "closely related to real estate."

Under the Wildlife Code, it is now illegal to recklessly waste or destroy the "usable meat" of any game animals harvested in that person's control if there is a bag limit imposed.

The General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 has been amended to allow for the formation of nonprofits for the purpose of cooperatively owning and operating agriculture-based anaerobic digestion systems.

On September 10, 2014, the First District Appellate Court of Illinois upheld a foreclosure and sale even though the plaintiff agency was not registered under the Collection Agency Act, 225 ILCS 425/1 et seq., because the defendants failed to show the Act applied to the plaintiff.

On May 22, 2014, the Illinois Supreme Court held that a choice-of-law determination is required only if there is an actual conflict between state laws.

Beginning in 2015 and continuing through 2016, employee contributions to the park employee pension fund will increase from 1.10 to 1.70 times the amount of employee contributions during the previous 12-month fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

The Department has adopted amendments to its regulations concerning the state employees' pay plan to reflect a memorandum of understanding entered into by the Department and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 700.

Long-term stay hospitals will have payments for all current claims beginning on November 16, 2013; paid as a per diem rate add-on rather than an annual supplemental payment. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 148 (eff. May 13, 2014).

Medical stretcher vans may now provide their services to convalescent or bed-confined individuals who routinely require non-emergency transportation to or from medical appointments and who do not need medical monitoring or clinical observation. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515 (eff. Nov. 12, 2013).

A second or subsequent violation of driving with a suspended or revoked license or permit will now be considered a Class 4 felony if it proximately causes a motor vehicle accident which leads to death or personal injury to another.

As of January 1, 2014, fingerprint-based background investigations conducted by non-criminal justice entities must include the individual's fingerprint images and also a photograph of the individual. 20 Ill. Adm. Code 1265.30.

In compliance with amendments to the Automobile Renting Occupation and Use Tax Act, the Department of Revenue adopted an amendment which effectively imposes a vehicle rental tax on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,000 pounds or less. 86 Ill. Adm. Code 180 (eff. June 9, 2014).