Illinois Quick Hits: State officials launch court user survey

Illinois Quick Hits: State officials launch court user survey

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judicial Conference announced on Tuesday a statewide circuit court user survey to be conducted through July 31.

The anonymous survey will be available in paper and electronic formats at circuit court courthouses across the state and will ask circuit court users about their most recent experience with the Illinois circuit courts.

Officials say the results will be used to inform future policy decisions and improve the court user experience.

The survey can be accessed online.

PRITZKER SIGNS CERTIFICATE OF INNOCENCE ACT

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that allows people who have been unjustly incarcerated to receive financial compensation from the state.

House Bill 3663 increases the maximum award amount for claims and expands the eligibility provisions for who can file a claim.

The new law takes effect immediately.

NONPROFIT INVESTMENT POOL BILL SIGNED

Among more than 30 bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed last Friday is legislation that allows the state treasurer to set up an investment pool.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in a statement that his office worked with lawmakers and the governor’s office to pass Senate Bill 2968 after Pritzker vetoed a similar measure last year.

INMATE SENTENCED TO ADDITIONAL TIME FOR PRODUCING CHILD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL

A federal judge has added 224 months of additional prison time to an FCI-Marion inmate’s sentence after he admitted to producing hand-drawn child sexual abuse material while incarcerated.

Christopher L. Collins, 42, pleaded guilty to charges that he created drawings depicting adults sexually assaulting children and provided the drawings to other inmates.

Collins is currently serving a 20-year sentence at Marion for previous child pornography-related convictions.

RIBBON CUTTING HELD FOR $307.1M WELGE BRIDGE

Officials from two states are celebrating the completion of a new bridge connecting Randolph County, Illinois and Perry County, Missouri.

A ribbon cutting was held last weekend for the Don Welge Memorial Bridge, at the river crossing of Illinois 150 and Missouri 51. The $307.1 million project overseen by the Missouri Department of Transportation includes about $143.2 million from Illinois taxpayers.

The Welge bridge replaces the Chester Bridge that was built in 1942.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher

Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Insurance industry leaders are advising Illinois lawmakers that state regulation of rates will lead to higher costs...
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit

Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Bill sponsors and public interest groups have been quick to respond to a lawsuit filed last week against Colorado, challenging a new law that would...
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy

From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite many arguing the border crisis is over because illegal entries at the southwest border have dropped to their lowest level in recorded history, border-related...
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees

Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is cracking down on noncitizens receiving Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services....
Federal government spending big on healthcare plans that aren’t being used

Federal government spending big on healthcare plans that aren’t being used

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A new report raises concerns about taxpayer waste in federal healthcare programs, as studies show billions of dollars in subsidies and benefits may not be...
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop

Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In return for soaring state spending on education, Illinois taxpayers are getting chronic absenteeism, poor academic proficiency...
Crypto companies ask Trump to block bank data fees

Crypto companies ask Trump to block bank data fees

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Crypto and fintech leaders want President Donald Trump to stop banks from imposing new charges on customer data access, warning that such fees could curb...
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers

Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reviewing damage from the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025

The Will County Board Executive Committee received a comprehensive update on the county's expenditure of $134 million in federal ARPA pandemic relief funds, learning that 61% of the total has...
Peotone-Committee-8.18.25.2

Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction

Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis and a rapidly approaching deadline from a major road project, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously...
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Screenshot-2025-08-19-at-6.16.25-PM

Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis

Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis with a projected $4.2 million operating deficit, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously exploring the closure...
Screenshot-2025-08-19-at-6.11.05-PM

Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence

Article Summary: Superintendent Brandon Owens is recuperating at home following a vehicle accident, prompting the Peotone Board of Education to establish an interim leadership team. Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales will...