ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. In this episode he covers Victims’ rights amendment (HJRCA 1), Electronic surveillance and bail bonds (House Bill 3744), Court-services fee (House Bill 5453), Disabled adults (Senate Bill 2954) and The Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act (Senate Bill 1941). More information on each bill is available below the video.

For the first time, people can legally drive in Illinois with cannabis in their systems, as long as they aren't impaired. But the Medical Cannabis Act introduces inconsistencies into DUI law that are likely to inspire litigation. Here's an overview from the March Illinois Bar Journal.

Don’t miss this discussion in Fairview Heights on Friday, March 14th regarding the increasingly complex issues occurring in traffic law and DUI court, as well as the new case law and legislation mandated by the Illinois General Assembly! State’s attorneys, public defenders, judges, and attorneys practicing in the DUI and traffic courts – with all levels of experience – who attend this full-day seminar will better understand: the jury selection process in DUI and misdemeanor cases; how the traffic law arena is affected by the legalization of medical marijuana; the ethical obligations you have as a traffic law attorney; how new legislation has impacted the defense of Operating Under the Influence; and much more!The program is presented by the ISBA Traffic Laws and Courts Section and qualifies for 5.50 hours MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).Click here for more information and to register.

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the creation of a Civil Justice Division within the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC), charged with supporting the Court’s multi-dimensional initiatives to improve access to justice throughout the state. In addition, Chief Justice Rita B. Garman has named Timothy W. Kelly of Bloomington as the next chairman of the Access to Justice Commission.In 2012, the Court established an Access to Justice Commission to “promote, facilitate, and enhance equal access to justice with an emphasis on access to the Illinois civil courts and administrative agencies for all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable.”The Commission, made up of dedicated volunteers, has made great strides in improving access for non-native English speakers and in standardizing various forms and procedures, making them more user-friendly for pro se litigants.