In 2008 Illinois legislators passed several laws and amendments designed to address adoption, child support and domestic violence. 

• Child Support (SB 1035) — This law authorizes municipalities to impound motor vehicles owned by responsible relatives who are delinquent in child support payments, and it prevents the issuing or allowing or renewing of a driver’s license to any responsible relative who is delinquent of 90 days or more in child support payments based on a court order or an administrative order.
• Domestic Violence (HB 900) — This law may extend the sentence of a person already convicted of domestic battery who commits first degree murder.
• Sex Crimes Against Children (SB 697) — This law addresses aggravated child pornography.  Under this law it is prohibited to transmit pornography involving a person who is or appears to be under age 13 over the internet. Violation can result in prison time and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Education (HB 18, HB 1648, SB 1463) — This law creates an Education Committee Council chaired by the Governor that will make recommendations to improve all levels of education and the transition of students into employment. As of 2008 every school is required to adopt a bullying policy and file it with the State Board of Education. The law also mandates that teachers observe a moment of silence at the start of each school day.
• Adoption Act (SB 68) — This new law makes two changes to the Illinois Adoption Act. It clarifies that children are entitled to inheritance rights if their adoptive parents die before the adoption is completed.  It also allows the Department of Children and Family Services to provide financial assistance for the gap between the death of a child’s adoptive parents and the completion of a new adoption.

To find out whether any of these laws apply to your situation, consult with an attorney.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.