Changes to Ashley’s Law: What Does It Mean for Medical Marijuana in Schools?

Governor signs bill expanding the administration of medical marijuana to students. By:  Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com On August 12, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 455 expanding “Ashley’s Law”, which currently allows a parent, guardian or designated caregiver to administer medical marijuana to a student with a valid prescription on school grounds and on school…

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Changes to the Juvenile Court Act

Records of Municipal Ordinance Violations to be Kept Confidential & Automatic Expungement of Law Enforcement Records   Effective January 1, 2018, two important changes were made to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq.) (the “Act”) concerning records of minors who are investigated, arrested or taken into custody prior to the…

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New Law Decriminalizing Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia

Ordinances Enacted by Units of Local Government Not Affected by New Law Decriminalizing Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. By:  Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com Effective July 29, 2016, the possession of certain small amounts of cannabis and drug paraphernalia are no longer criminal offenses.  The bill that was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on July…

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New Laws for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2016

Officer-Involved Deaths, Body Cameras, Terry Stops, Towing of Vehicles, and More By Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com On January 1, 2016 several new laws regulating law enforcement agencies and their activities went into effect.  A brief summary of each law is provided below. Public Act 99-352 Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act:  The Act provides that…

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Crucial Rule for Processing Traffic Tickets

Court dismisses ticket because it was not transmitted to circuit clerk within 48-hour deadline By Kateah M. McMasters Supreme Court Rule 552 requires municipal police officers and police departments to transmit traffic citations to the circuit clerk within 48 hours of issuance. In 1989, the Illinois Appellate Court held that this Rule is directory rather…

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Ban the Box

New Law Prohibits Asking About Job Applicant’s Criminal History By Kateah M. McMasters Beginning January 1, 2015, the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (the “Act”), P.A. 98-774, prohibits employers from asking potential employees to “check a box” or to otherwise provide detailed information about his or her criminal history on a job application. The…

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New Law for Pregnant Employees and Working Mothers

Illinois Human Rights Act Amended to Increase Pregnancy-Related Protection By Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com Effective January 1, 2015, a recent amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act (the “Act”) adds pregnancy to the list of characteristics protected from discrimination.  “Pregnancy” includes pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, expanding the Act to apply…

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