summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Legal Deserts Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts may establish a program to provide grants or reimbursements to compensate an individual lawyer or law firms that relocate or open an office within a geographic area for the purpose of providing legal services to individuals residing within a legal desert. Provides that the grants or reimbursements may cover marketing expenses, compensation for an attorney or up to 2 attorneys per firm, or other eligible expenses identified by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Legal Deserts Act, aims to address the shortage of lawyers in certain areas of Illinois, referred to as "legal deserts," where residents struggle to access legal services. The Act proposes that the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC), an administrative body that supports the Illinois Supreme Court, can create a program to offer financial assistance, such as grants or reimbursements, to individual lawyers or law firms. This assistance is intended to encourage them to move to or establish offices in these underserved geographic areas, which are defined as counties with fewer than 100 lawyers or other areas identified by the courts as having significant challenges in legal service access. The funding can be used for expenses like marketing, compensating up to two attorneys per firm, or other costs deemed eligible by the AOIC, provided that funds are appropriated by the state.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Appropriations (on 02/17/2026)
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