The Donohoo Law Firm, P.C.

01/04/2022

The new year is here and with it comes a set of hundreds of new laws for Illinois, with nearly 300 new measures beginning. Here are 50 of the more notable pieces of legislation you might want to know about.

12/29/2021

New laws in Illinois take effect on Jan. 1 and the last legislative session passed 300 new laws that will become enforceable. These range from big changes in criminal prosecutions to small, ceremonial designations. Some add steps, procedures and red tape and others make processes more efficient and....

07/21/2021

Illinois' primary election will be moved from March to June for 2022.

The new law also makes voting by mail a permanent option, allows jail inmates awaiting trial to cast ballots and makes Election Day in November a state holiday.

12/13/2020

Without any allegations of wrongdoing, the objector and his handlers are trying to throw a select few individuals off the ballot - all over a paper clip - so the people of Wood River do not have a choice. The statute states the petitions must be fastened in a secure and suitable manner, not that a paper clip is invalid or that a stable is required.

WOOD RIVER - The electoral board recently denied several petitions to dismiss nominating petitions of four candidates for office in the April municipal election, but the conflict may continue. "This is far from over," said Chris Donohoo, of Wood River, an attorney for some of the four candidates. He...

09/28/2020

Early voting started last week. Please remember to vote!!

08/11/2020

Last week, Governor Pritzker announced that his administration filed new IDPH COVID-19 emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings.
The rules became effective on August 7, 2020, and they require people over age two to wear a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth) when they are in a public place and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. The face covering requirement applies whether in an indoor space, such as a store, or in an outdoor space. Any business, service, facility, or organization open to the public or to employees (including schools and day cares) must require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises. The emergency rule also prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy if 50% of a building maximum occupancy is less than 50 people).

First, businesses would be given a warning in the form of written notice and encouraged to voluntarily comply with public health guidance. Second, businesses that do not voluntarily comply would be given an order to have some or all of their patrons leave the premises as needed to comply with public health guidance and reduce risks. Third, if the business continues to refuse to comply, the business could be subject to a fine ranging from $75.00 to $2,500.00.

06/10/2020

On June 8, 2020 the Governor signed Public Act 101-0633. This new law provides a rebuttable presumption for workers compensation claims for frontline workers and first responders who claim to have been exposed to COVID-19 while in the workplace. A rebuttable presumption means that it is presumed that the worker was exposed to the COVID-19 virus while in the workplace unless the employer provides certain evidence to the contrary. The injury or occupational disease will be presumed to be causally connected to the hazards or exposures of the employee’s employment unless the employer provides evidence that it was not connected.

The Act covers those who were or are allegedly exposed to or contract COVID-19 between March 9, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The rebuttable presumption will apply to all cases tried after the effective date of the Act and in which the diagnosis of COVID-19 was made on or after March 9, 2020 and on or before December 31, 2020.

06/08/2020

According to the IDPH, the following swimming facilities are not allowed to open during Phase 3 (with a few exceptions described below:
• swimming pools and other facilities licensed by IDPH
• water parks
• splash pads
• bathing beaches
• spas and whirlpools
• clubhouses
• waiting areas/viewing areas
• other commercial gathering places at swimming facilities

Swimming facilities can, however, be used for the following activities during Phase 3:
• lap swimming
• diving
• swim lessons
• swim team practices
• therapy pool use

Employees and customers must wear face coverings when not actually engaging in swimming activities. Groups are limited to no more than 10 people although multiple groups of 10 people are permitted if (1) the facility can provide for social distancing; (2) 30 feet of distancing is maintained between groups; and (3) the group areas are clearly marked to avoid interaction between groups.

04/28/2020

Last week, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission adopted a new rule that created a rebuttable presumption for first responders and frontline workers who contracted COVID-19 while on the job. The rule was challenged in court as outside the reach of the IWCC's legal authority, and a judge in Sangamon County issued a temporary restraining order stopping the implementation of the new rule. However, yesterday the IWCC voted to repeal the new rule. Therefore, the workers' compensation claims will continue to be evaluated under the current IWCC rules.

03/17/2020

Please remember to VOTE.