As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that could significantly impact data center development in the state. The proposed POWER Act (HB5513[i] and SB4016[ii]), short for the Protecting Our Water, Energy, and Ratepayers Act, seeks to address concerns about the energy…

Background and Regulatory Context

Thirty states, including Illinois, have designated English as their official language. However, the United States doesn’t have a law establishing English as the country’s official language outside of an Executive Order. Nevertheless, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has effectively gained a new enforcement role: policing English language compliance.

In 2025,…

The Case

Zhao[i] involved a coverage dispute over a homeowner’s hail damage claim and the cost of repair/replacement under the homeowner’s policy.

During the initial claims process, both sides obtained damage estimates. Those estimates reflected a sizeable gulf in covered damage. That dispute led to the policyholder invoking the policy’s appraisal provision, which the…

The Case

Montgomery[i] involved a 2017 motor vehicle accident where an interstate motor carrier’s employee veered off Illinois Interstate 70 while driving a tractor-trailer on the job, ultimately striking a stopped driver, Shawn Montgomery, and causing Mr. Montgomery significant lasting injury and disfigurement. Montgomery’s leg ended up being amputated as a result of his…

It Usually Works—Until It Doesn’t

Illinois courts used to show some leniency when attorneys missed filing deadlines because of electronic filing issues. That window may be closed. As the e‑filing system has matured, so has the judiciary’s expectation that practitioners understand it and follow its rules. Recent case law makes clear that Rule 9 is…

Trial lawyers really have little choice; they must adapt to the changing technology environment or fall behind. But recent court guidance reveals that in important areas, old rules still apply to new challenges posed by using artificial intelligence, even if the adequacy of old rules is debatable.  So far, courts are not creating a special…

What the Martin v. Layman Decision Adds

Illinois’ Fourth District Appellate Court’s decision in Martin v. Layman[1] continues a line of Illinois cases that closely examine whether hospital consent forms effectively disclaim apparent agency in emergency care settings. Relying in part on the First District’s reasoning in Brayboy v. Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp.,…