Ready For The Defense

SENATE BILL 618 POURS NEW FLEXIBILITY AND ADDED RESPONSIBILITY INTO COMMUNITY EVENTS: Legislation opens the tap for Illinois craft spirits producers and important considerations for local officials.

On October 29, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 618, a measure that, while billed as an update for the craft spirits industry, has broad implications for municipalities and townships that host or support community markets and festivals. The bill revises the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to create a new Class 3 Craft Distiller License and a Spirits Showcase Permit, offering small producers greater flexibility and a clearer framework to participate in local

Steve Judge

6 days ago4 min read

When Is a Road Truly Public? The Fifth District Defines the Boundaries in Hicks v. Pope County

This featured column discusses the Fifth District Appellate Court's opinion in the case of Hicks v. Pope County Board of Commissioners and the Pope County Highway Department . Hicks v. Pope County Board of Commissioners and the Pope County Highway Department , 2023 IL App (5d) 220733 (Ill App. 2023). The plaintiff, Georgia Hicks, filed a declaratory judgment action seeking exclusive rights to the use of a property located in Golconda, Illinois. The central issue revolved arou

Steve Judge

Oct 185 min read

View Steve's monthly column, Ready For The Defense, in the Township Officials of Illinois Township Perspective Magazine