Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Illinois employers are required to reimburse employees for expenses incurred while performing their jobs. This new requirement is an amendment to the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Failure to comply with the new law can result in damages equal to the reimbursement amount, a 2-percent penalty for each month the expenses were not paid, and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the employee. In her article, “To Pay or Not to Pay: Should You Reimburse Your Employee’s Expenses?,” business and employment law attorney Helen Bloch provides practical takeaways and advice for ensuring you and your clients are complying with the new requirement. 

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers civil procedure—Section 2-619 dismissal, IMDMA and priority for grandparents, emancipation of minors, domestic violence, and jury duty. Civil procedure—Section 2-619 dismissal. House Bill 3181 (Mazzochi, R-Westmont) adds a new subsection for an involuntary dismissal if a claim is unenforceable because it was (1) filed for a purpose of forcing an individual or entity to change positions or induce or coerce behavior in a manner unrelated to the claim asserted; or (2) based on allegations made to a government entity by an anonymous complainant if: (a) the anonymous complainant is not revealed; or (b) the anonymous complainant, if revealed, made the allegations to a government entity while holding an ulterior motive toward the defendant or to retaliate against the defendant. Assigned to the House Rules Committee. 

The Illinois Supreme Court today announced the adoption of four new sentencing order rules that are effective March 1. New Rules 452 and 557 deal with the preparation of sentencing orders for criminal cases and traffic, conservation, or ordinance violation cases, respectively. New Rules 472 and 558 address the correction of certain sentencing errors, including the imposition of fines, fees, assessments, or costs; per diem credit against fines; the calculation of presentence custody credit; and clerical errors in the written sentencing order.

The ISBA Young Lawyers Division hosted speed networking and wine tasting events on Friday, Feb. 22, at the ISBA Mutual office in Chicago. Young lawyers, newly-admitted lawyers, and law students came together to sample and learn about wine, socialize, and network. Thank you to everyone who attended and our event sponsors!