A bill that would prohibit Illinois from suing prison inmates to recover the cost of their incarceration passed the Senate last month. SB 2465 is sponsored by Senator Daniel Biss of Evanston. In October 2015, the Illinois Bar Journal reported on the practice of funding the government with fees and fines collected from criminals. Suing prisoners for their costs is even more unfair, according to some observers. Unlike fines, which are tied to the crime itself, fees for things like inmate room and board are designed to raise revenue. According to an article from the Brennan Center for Justice, the mean annual state corrections expenditure in 2010 was $28,323 per inmate. Find out more about the problem and the proposed legislation in the May IBJ.

Attorney Kathleen Curtin discusses what you need to know about qualified domestic relations orders.

Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans administered the oath of office to 13 newly elected associate judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County at an induction ceremony on May 9 at the Thompson Center Assembly Hall. Speakers included Chief Judge Evans, U. S. District Court Chief Judge Ruben Castillo, and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The following 25 members won ISBA Mutual Brief Bags. Don't forget to check out our other Member Appreciation Month contests at http://www.isba.org/thanks Winners will receive the bags by mail to the addresses provided.