South Central Reporter

In an order released on July 2, the United States Supreme Court declined to take up a legal challenge to the state’s "assault weapon" ban but left open the possibility of hearing the case in the future. Petitioners had requested that the nation’s highest court issue an injunction against enforcing the ban. The request followed conflicting rulings on multiple challenges to the law, including a temporary injunction issued by a judge in the Southern District of Illinois that was later overturned by the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, where a challenge is still pending.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear the case while that challenge is ongoing but reserved the right to take it up at a later date, noting, “…if the Seventh Circuit ultimately allows Illinois to ban America’s most common civilian rifle, we can – and should – review that decision once the cases reach a final judgment.” A justice added that “The Court must not permit ‘the Seventh Circuit [to] relegat[e] the Second Amendment to a second-class right.’”

Senator Plummer stated he remains optimistic that the state’s ban will ultimately be found unconstitutional once the legal process concludes. He opposed the ban in the Senate, viewing it as an unconstitutional overreach and an attack on 2nd Amendment rights.

Legislation aiming to alleviate some financial burdens placed on disabled veterans in Illinois was signed into law on July 1. This new law waives permit fees for disabled veterans who need to modify their homes for accessibility. Previously, disabled veterans returning from service who needed home adaptations were required to pay permit fees to their local government in addition to covering renovation costs. Senate Bill 2751 specifically addresses this issue by waiving permit fees for disabled veterans making necessary home modifications. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and will take effect January 1, 2025.

Schools across Illinois will be better prepared for cardiac emergencies under a new law mandating cardiac response plans. According to the American Heart Association, thousands of students under 18 have experienced cardiac arrest, with nearly 90% of these incidents being fatal without prompt response or training. House Bill 5394 requires schools to implement cardiac response plans and provide personnel with information and hands-on emergency response training. This includes hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). School boards must review procedures annually, and districts will be eligible for matching grants covering 50% of first aid certification costs. The bill was signed into law on July 1, 2024, and takes effect January 1, 2025.

Applications are now being accepted for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This state-financed grant program provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquiring or developing land for public parks and open spaces. Eligible projects range from smaller neighborhood parks to larger county nature areas. Grants can cover up to 50% of approved project costs or up to 90% for economically distressed communities, with acquisition projects awarded up to $1.725 million and development or renovation projects capped at $600,000. Applications must be submitted by September 13 at 5:00 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a pilot program allowing professionals in select fields to pay application fees online through ePay Portal starting June 4. This initiative aims to streamline application processes statewide by providing fast and secure payment options available around-the-clock through ePay's electronic system. This feature benefits professionals within both Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) and Division of Real Estate (DRE).