2014 Articles

In addition to facing a Class A Misdemeanor for possessing "oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights or other indicia of emergency vehicle authority within any portion of a motor vehicle," upon a legal search, a searching law enforcement officer must seize, upon violation, any such indicia or equipment.

On September 18, 2014, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the "exclusivity" element for prescriptive easements does not require exclusive possession for the statutory period, overruling contrary first district cases.

In an effort to meet the state's goal of promoting veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) adopted a new section to the administrative code giving preference to such businesses in the state's procurement process. 44 Ill. Adm. Code 20 (eff. Dec. 5, 2013).

In order to participate in State-funded hemophilia treatment and chronic renal disease programs, patients suffering from hemophilia and chronic renal disease must now provide proof of health insurance coverage.

Upon written request from a property owner, township and county tax collectors may now email property owners their tax bills.

Article 10 of the Illinois Tax Code has been amended to add a division on the valuation of property that has suffered tornado damage.

On February 7, 2014, the First District Appellate Court of Illinois held that a contract provision stating the agreement could only be terminated upon the express written consent of both parties created a perpetual contract, and was therefore void as contrary to public policy.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (the "Department") amended its procedures for administering Medicaid, CHIP, and Health Subsidy Programs. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 10; 89 Ill. Adm. Code 121. As of February 7, 2014, applications for cash, medical, or SNAP assistance can be submitted electronically.

In Cook county, if a property is assessed twice for the same year or was assessed prior to its becoming taxable, and if these taxes that were assigned in error were paid at sale or otherwise, or were overpaid by the same or different claimants, then the Cook County Treasurer will refund these taxes to the proper claimant.

Pursuant to Pub. Act 98-104, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has established a new nursing component reimbursement methodology based on the Resource Utilization Group IV ("RUG") classification scheme. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 147 (eff. May 30, 2014).

The General Assembly added a section to the Unified Code of Corrections that governs appropriations for the Offender Initiative Program and Second Chance Probation.