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
School Walkouts, Marches and Protests – Legal Considerations for School Districts
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and other recent events involving gun violence, school communities across the country are organizing…
| Law Alerts
Court of Appeals Affirms Employer’s Right to Request Psychiatric Fitness for Duty Examination in Response to Workplace Safety Concerns
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Seventh Circuit”) recently issued a decision, Painter v. IDOT, which affirms an employer’s right to require multiple psychiatric fitness for duty examinations if such inquiries…
| Law Alerts
General Considerations for Selecting Your Construction Professionals
As we look ahead to another busy summer construction season, many of our public sector clients are commencing the process of selecting their construction teams. While private property owners have…
| Firm News
Client Victory in Difficult ADA/504 Accommodation Case
A Naperville public school district did not violate anti-discrimination law when it blocked a student who had moved outside the district from remaining at her high school for her senior…
| Law Alerts
Back to Back Illinois Decisions and a Statutory Amendment Impacting Transgender Student Issues
I. Request for Injunction by Students and Parents for Privacy Denied, December 28, 2017 The Students and Parents for Privacy brought a lawsuit challenging Township High School District 211…
| Law Alerts
Update on Lead Testing Requirements for School Districts
In August of 2017, the Governor signed Public Act 100-103 which amended 225 ILCS 320/35.5, the law requiring school districts to collect and test samples of potable water at certain schools. We previously…
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Rules Indiana’s Reduction-In-Force Statute Unconstitutional as Applied to Tenured Teachers
In a note-worthy and important decision for Illinois school districts to monitor, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin) recently ruled that Indiana’s newly enacted…
| Law Alerts
Student/Special Education Law Update
Amendment to Illinois School Code for Accelerated Placement On August 25, 2017, Governor Rauner signed Public Act number 100-0421 into law, effective July 1, 2018. This new law amends Section…
| Law Alerts
Labor/Employment Law Update
Local Governments Required to Adopt Resolution or Ordinance Approving Sexual Harassment Policy On November 16, 2017, Governor Rauner signed Public Act 100-0554 into law. This new law amends Section 70-5…
| Law Alerts
Public Act 100-0411 and IMRF Pension “Spiking”
For those employees participating in IMRF, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund has treated accrued sick time and vacation time payments to retirees as pension “spikes” and has required local governments…