Legal News & Updates
We monitor legal developments to provide timely, insightful guidance, keeping our clients informed of the latest changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends. Our team stays engaged in the evolution of the law, enabling us to proactively address emerging issues and offer strategic counsel for both current and future challenges.
Latest Updates & News
Public Act 104-0158: Updated Requirements for Police Officer Background Checks
Effective January 1, 2026, Public Act 104-0158 amends the Illinois Police Training Act (the "Act") and will change the way Police Departments conduct background checks and inspections of employment records for prospective police officer applicants.
New Illinois Law’s Impact on a School Resource Officer’s Role on School Grounds
In its most recent session, the IL Legislature brought full circle the changes it initiated in 2015 for school-based fines for students. In 2015, the IL Legislature passed a law that prevented districts from using fines to discipline students, but still permitted a SRO to issue tickets with monetary fines for student as part of school-based discipline. On August 20, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1519 into law to restrict a SRO’s ability to engage in this practice.
Illinois Passes Package of Amendments to OMA and FOIA
The Illinois General Assembly passed an omnibus bill encompassing a wide range of changes to the Illinois OMA and FOIA in Senate Bill 0243. The amendments include significant updates that public bodies should be aware of as they manage board meetings and the increasing number of FOIA requests that could create cybersecurity risks.
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Upholds Neutral Regulation of Student Political Speech
On August 14, 2025, the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of Noblesville School District in E.D. v. Noblesville. The case arose after a high school student was restricted from posting flyers containing political content to promote a meeting of Noblesville Students for Life, a pro-life advocacy club.
| Law Alerts
Understanding How Informal Meetings Can Trigger Open Meetings Act
On August 12, 2025, the PAC issued binding opinion 25-011, finding that the Washington County Board violated the OMA by attending an informational meeting hosted by a private company regarding a proposed energy project in Washington County.
| Law Alerts
The Implications of Andrews on the Landscape of the Tort Immunity Act
When faced with litigation, Illinois school districts and municipalities, i.e. governmental entities, rely heavily on the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (“Tort Immunity Act”).
| Law Alerts
DOJ’s Web Accessibility Rule – Preparing for Compliance
The U.S. Department of Justice finalized a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) expanding digital accessibility requirements for state and local government entities that receive federal financial assistance.
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Revisits Teacher’s Name/Pronoun Usage Accommodation Claim Under Title VII
On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued its decision in Kluge v. Brownsburg Community School Corporation, which examined a religious discrimination claim brought by a public school teacher that refused to utilize the preferred names and pronouns of students on religious grounds.
| Law Alerts
Change to Competitive Bidding Threshold for Park Districts
Illinois Senate Bill 1612, amending the Illinois Park District Code, the Conservation District Act and the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on August 1, 2025 and became effective immediately.
| Law Alerts
The Stop Campus Hazing Act: Expanded Federal Requirements for Higher Education Institutions
The Act imposes new requirements on institutions receiving federal student aid, including community colleges. These requirements increase transparency, prevention, and accountability regarding campus hazing.
| In Brief, News
Guidance on Limiting Access to Publicly Accessible Areas
Public bodies are sometimes faced with significant challenges when members of the general public attempt to access certain areas of their facilities. While public spaces are typically intended to be open and accessible to the general public, such openness can sometimes lead to disruptive behavior and safety concerns.
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Upholds Termination of School Counselor for Anti-Transgender Speech
In 2022, school guidance counselor Darlingh gave a profanity-filled speech at a Madison, Wisconsin rally criticizing transgender rights. She publicly identified her role in the District and declared that no student would transition under her watch. The speech was recorded and later shared on YouTube.
| Law Alerts
Summer in Springfield: Special Education Policy Round-Up
The 104th General Assembly wrapped up its spring session in May, advancing a number of special education bills. In addition to legislative developments, ISBE
recently implemented regulatory changes that will also shape school district practices in the coming school year.