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
DOJ Extends ADA Title II WCAG Web Accessibility Deadlines
Effective today, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) extending the compliance deadlines for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) web and mobile application accessibility requirements.
Gov. Pritzker Renews His Call to Ban Cell Phones in Illinois Classrooms
During his annual State of the State address, Governor Pritzker renewed his call to ban cell phone use during school hours, stating, “It’s time to get cell phones out of the classroom.” The Governor’s office cited research showing that “72% of high school teachers identified cell phone distraction as a ‘major problem’ in their classroom.”
ISSRA, Not FOIA: Clarifying Parents’ Avenue to Access Educational Records
Parents have the right to access their student’s educational records. However, there can be confusion as to which avenue under the law they can or should pursue for access to these student records.
| Law Alerts
Governor Pritzker Signs New Legislation Making Changes to Special Education Eligibility for Transition Services
On July 28, 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bills (HB) 0040 and 2748 into law as Public Acts 102-0172 and 102-0173, respectively. These bills have a significant impact on the age of eligibility for special education services, and each has taken effect immediately.
| Law Alerts
CDC Revises Guidance For K-12 Schools – Masks For All Recommended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its July 9, 2021, guidance for K-12 schools.
| Law Alerts
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Illinois Colleges and Universities
On July 19, 2021, the Illinois Community College Board ("ICCB") and Illinois Board of Higher Education ("IBHE") jointly released updated COVID-19 guidance designed to help facilitate the safe transition back to campus.
| Law Alerts
Indiana University’s Vaccination Policy Decision Appealed
As expected, Ryan Klaassen et. al., v. The Trustees of Indiana University, on July 20, 2021, appealed a federal district court judge’s July 18, 2021 decision upholding, at least preliminary, the University’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
| Law Alerts
Amendment of Code of Civil Procedure Impacts Opioid Litigation for School Districts and Units of Local Government
On July 9th, 2021, Public Act 102-0085 was signed into Law. The act went into effect immediately, and has ramifications for School Districts and Local Governments. Read more on how you may be impacted!
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
CDC Releases Updated COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for K–12 Schools
The CDC has once again updated it's guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools. The most recent updated guidance was fully adopted by ISBE and IDPH, so there will likely be changes to the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
| Law Alerts
Sunset Provision Limits Broad School District Authority to Make Interfund Transfers
For many years, thanks to a 2003 amendment, Section 17-2A temporarily permitted unrestricted transfers between a school district’s principal operating funds. However, the most recent extension period expired without further amendment on June 30, 2021.
| Law Alerts
New Legislation Opens the Door for Educational Support Personnel to Receive Unemployment Benefits Over the 2021 Summer Break
On June 25, 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2643 into law as Public Act 102-0026, which opens the door for educational support personnel to receive unemployment insurance benefits during the 2021 summer break.
| In Brief
Student Free Speech Examined by U.S. Supreme Court Case
On June 23, 2021, the Supreme Court decided that suspension of a student from a school district’s junior varsity cheerleading team based upon two Snapchat stories posted by the student was improper under the First Amendment.
| In Brief
ISBE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING IN-PERSON LEARNING
Upon their unanimous adoption of the Resolution Supporting In-Person Learning, the Illinois State Board of Education (“ISBE”) received numerous questions about the Resolution and its implications.