3 New Illinois Laws Taking Effect January 1st: Is Your Court Fee Waiver Still Valid

As we approach January 1, 2026, the legal landscape in Illinois and across the US is shifting significantly. For users of G-LegalHub, staying ahead of these changes is the difference between a successful filing and a costly rejection by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

1. The FAIR Act and Public Defense Changes The newly signed FAIR Act is beginning its rollout. While full implementation of the statewide public defender system isn't due until later in 2026, the initial reporting requirements for indigent defense begin this January.

• What this means for you: If you are using our Fee Waiver Tool, ensure your financial affidavit is more detailed than ever to meet the new "Transparancy Standards" set by the state.

2. The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) Update There has been a lot of confusion regarding credit card fees on taxes and tips. As of late December 2025, federal courts have issued a partial injunction.

• Viral Tip: Small businesses in Illinois should check their merchant agreements immediately. If you're drafting a Promissory Note or Business Agreement on our site, make sure to include a "Fee Allocation" clause to protect against shifting bank regulations.

3. Mandatory E-Filing Updates for 2026 The Clerk of the Circuit Court has updated the e-filing portal requirements.

• Action Step: All PDFs generated through our tool are already formatted for 2026 compliance. However, make sure you select the "OCR-Ready" option when saving to ensure the court's AI scanners can read your document.

Don't let the 2026 law changes catch you off guard. Use the G-LegalHub Generator to update your documents today and stay compliant with the latest Illinois and Global standards.