Recently, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. Commonly referred to as “ban the box” legislation, it prohibits Illinois employment agencies and private employers, with 15 or more employees, from prescreening applicants over a criminal record or history. Under the new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, […]

The purpose of the Workers’ Compensation Act (Act) is to protect employees against risks and hazards which are particularly characteristics to the specific work they have been employed to do. An injury is compensable under the Act only if it “arises out of” and “in the course of” the employment. The phrase “in the course […]

The State of Illinois continues in its efforts to protect nonsmokers, children and students from the dangers of smoking. In the past month, Governor Quinn has signed new laws regulating the way electronic cigarettes can be sold. The new law requires that all e-cigarettes must be sold from behind a counter, in a sealed case […]

“Rocky’s Law,” which was signed on August 4th, by Governor Quinn and takes effect January 1, 2014 is requiring all high schools in Illinois to offer catastrophic insurance coverage for student athletes. “Rocky’s Law” was inspired by and is named for Rasul “Rocky” Clark who was paralyzed during a football game in 2000. Rasul Clark […]

There is no excuse not to be registered voter. The State of Illinois has just made it easier for residents to register to vote. In July, Governor Quinn approved the Omnibus Elections Bill which makes Illinois the 18th state to allow voters to register online. The bill also allows for early voting on Sundays from […]

The first Safe Haven law in Illinois was unanimously passed both the Illinois House and Senate and was signed into Illinois law in August of 2001. Illinois Safe Haven law provides options for mothers and their newborn child. According to the Safe Haven Law, a parent can anonymously take their newborn to a safe haven […]

Illinois Safe Haven law provides options for mothers and their newborn child. According to the Safe Haven Law, a parent can anonymously take their newborn to a safe haven without fear of prosecution if the baby is thirty days old or younger. The law was created to help a parent who is under severe emotional […]

Illinois law has long had a law regarding speed limits in school zones. The law requires motor vehicles to operate, on a school day when children are present, at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour while passing through designated school zones. In February of 2012, Governor Quinn approved Chicago Mayor Emanuel’s […]

In the wake of the scandal, trial, and subsequent conviction for sexual abuse of Coach Jerry Sandusky, schools are looking for ways to prevent these occurrences at all levels of education. Erin’s law has been enacted in four states, including Illinois, and introduced by the legislature in another eight. The law, named for author and […]