2025 Articles

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. It is unlawful for a consumer reporting agency to make, create, or furnish any consumer report or credit report containing...

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that within two years of this Act’s effective date, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board must implement or create a course that will train law enforcement officers on how to identify and approach situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Code of Civil Procedure, removing language providing that in counties with a population of less than 2 million people, process may be served without special appointment.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Code of Civil Procedure. A person who is licensed or registered as a private detective or a registered employee of a private detective agency in counties with a population of less than 2 million may no longer serve process without special appointment.

On Feb. 5, 2025, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held there is no mutual mistake for a written release when the parties are unaware of the plaintiff’s injuries at signing.

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Provides that a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit entered into after Jan. 1, 2025, may not be enforced if it would prevent a licensed mental health professional from providing mental health services to veterans or first responders.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Child Abuse Notice Act. Certain businesses and establishments are required to display a notice providing information on identifying and reporting child abuse.

On Dec. 5, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the odor of raw cannabis alone may provide probable cause for the warrantless search of a vehicle, given the officer has training or experience in differentiating between the odor of raw and burnt cannabis.

On Oct. 30, 2024, the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a voluntary refusal to undergo a low-risk surgery could be considered unreasonable behavior in the context of applying for a disability pension.

The Illinois State Board of Education amended the Part entitled Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision. Schools that have standing protocols to, in specific circumstances, administer asthma medicine and opioid-antagonist drugs to students must notify parents of said protocol.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Equal Pay Act. An employer with 15 or more employees must include the pay scale and benefits for a position in any specific job posting.

On Jan. 24, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court held that performance bonuses that are not measured by or dependent on hours worked are included in the regular pay rate when calculating overtime wages under the Minimum Wage Law.

On Dec. 3, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that photographs showing marks and swelling are insufficient to show physical abuse but can indicate excessive corporal punishment.

On Dec. 6, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a plaintiff may name a respondent in discovery when they have a good-faith belief that the respondent has information that can implicate additional defendants.

On Dec. 17, 2024, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a victim owed restitution may pursue contempt actions in a criminal proceeding.

On Dec. 6, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that prohibiting a defendant from consulting with counsel during an overnight recess violates the Sixth Amendment.

On Nov. 22, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viruses on surfaces does not result in physical damage to property.

Amends the Fire Protection District Act to provide that on or after June 1, 2025, all self-insured municipalities and fire protection districts providing health insurance for their employees must include coverage for first responders to receive mental health counseling.

On Oct. 18, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court held that an executive order issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered immunity for healthcare facilities under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.