Local Government Law Bulletin
Electronic Device Prohibition While Driving
In an effort to discourage distracted driving, the Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation that would amend the Vehicle Code governing the use of handheld electronic communication devices while driving. House Bill 1247 now sits on Governor Quinn’s desk for...
Don’t Text and Legislate?
Last month, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court heard oral arguments in the case of City of Champaign v. Lisa Madigan. The case involves a dispute over a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request made by a local newspaper to obtain text messages...
Update of the Prevailing Wage Act Related to Landscaping and Diseased Tree Remediation
The Illinois Department of Labor has issued new Frequently Asked Questions on its website addressing concerns submitted to the department regarding the application of the Prevailing Wage Act to landscaping work. While much of what is contained therein is consistent...
Local Debt Recovery Program: Successful Beginnings for Lake in the Hills
The Village of Lake in the Hills has enjoyed success recovering past due debts through the state-assisted Local Debt Recovery Program (LDRP). The best part, according to Village Administrator Gerald Sagona, is that it took very little effort on the Village’s part to...
Successful Newly Elected Government Officials’ Seminar
ZRFM hosted a successful morning session catered to newly elected officials in all forms of local governments. A particularly noteworthy item from the session was information pertaining to the Open Meetings Act. The Open Meetings Act Reference Sheet is provided...
Exercise of Home Rule Power Upheld: Palm v. 2800 Lake Shore Drive Condominium Association
The Illinois Supreme Court recently upheld the City of Chicago’s exercise of home rule power regarding the inspection of a condominium association’s financial books and records. The Plaintiff in Palm v. 2800 Lake Shore Drive, a unit owner, had requested specific...
Medical Marijuana and Municipalities
The Illinois House passed the Medical Cannabis Act (MCA) last week that would go into effect on January 1, 2014, pending Senate approval. The legislation is extremely lengthy because it addresses everything from how to legally cultivate, sell, possess, and consume...
Two Illinois House Bills on Gun Control Miss the Target Vote
Gun control may be the most divisive issue currently in our state’s politics. Reflecting the divergent views, two different conceal and carry (C&C) proposals were voted down last week by the House. The first proposal, Amendment to HB 831 (HB 831), sought tighter...
Elected Official Seminar: Save the Date – Saturday, May 4
INVITATION TO A SEMINAR FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS The law firm of Zukowski, Rogers, Flood & McArdle invites all newly elected officers, as well as administrators, managers, and long-standing elected officials, to a half-day seminar dealing with the ABC’s of...