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
Annual Reminder on Educational Support Staff RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines
As the 2024-25 school year continues through the winter months, school districts are beginning to plan and review their staffing needs for the 2025-26 school year. In assessing options to address those needs, some school districts may determine it is necessary to implement a reduction-in-force (“RIF”) of its educational support staff, a statutory process driven by The School Code. Many school districts are also likely to be considering the non-reemployment of non-tenured teachers at the end of the 2024-25 school term, or a RIF of teachers, statutory processes that were significantly modified in recent years. Given the various procedural requirements imposed on school districts, we believe an annual reminder of those requirements will be of assistance as districts plan for their future personnel and staffing needs.
More Executive Orders and Federal Guidance Impacting Educational Institutions
Read our latest law alert about additional executive orders and federal guidance affecting educational institutions.
Now Available: Preparation for Immigration Enforcement Toolkit for Illinois Higher Education Institutions
Robbins Schwartz is proud to offer our guidance documents and templates to assist Illinois higher education administrators in navigating interactions with immigration officials, in accordance with the executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." Learn more here.
| Law Alerts
Recent Circuit Court Case Demonstrates Risk of Using Transportation Funds for Non-Transportation-Related Expenditures
A Cook County Circuit Court ruled that the County violated the 2016 transportation tax “lockbox” amendment by improperly spending over $243 million in transportation tax revenue on non-transportation purposes.
| Law Alerts
“Moral Conscience” Isn’t Enough for Religious Accommodation
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision clarifying the requirements of school employers related to the vaccinate or test requirements under Governor Pritzker’s executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Law Alerts
Reminder: Public Bodies May Not Hold a Public Meeting on March 17, 2026
March 17, 2026 is the date of the general primary election. If your regular Board meeting is scheduled for March 17, it will need to be rescheduled.
| Law Alerts
Illinois Appellate Court Upholds TIF Despite Preexisting Development
In a significant decision for local governments and taxing bodies, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the Village of Winfield’s creation of a new TIF, even though substantial redevelopment by Central DuPage Hospital had already begun prior to its formal enactment.
| Law Alerts
New Proposed FOIA Legislation Seeks Practical Relief for Public Bodies
The Illinois General Assembly is back in session. We worked with partner firms to introduce FOIA legislation sponsored by Representative Daniel Didech to address public sector client concerns while preserving FOIA’s purpose. The bills have not yet been voted on and may be amended. A summary follows.
| Law Alerts
2026 Refresher on Educational Support Personnel RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines
As we head into the second half of the 2025-26 school year, school districts must begin to make important decisions about their staffing needs for the 2026-2027 school year.
| Law Alerts
Regulating Intelligence: New A.I. Laws and their Impact on Higher Education
The new year brings new compliance obligations for Illinois community colleges concerning the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Two new laws, both effective on January 1, 2026, place parameters on the evolving world of A.I.
| Law Alerts
ISBE RTO Guidance: Key Changes and Clarifications
In November 2025, ISBE released revised nonbinding Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the use of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint (collectively referred to as “RTO”) in Illinois schools.
| Law Alerts
2026 Legislative Updates for Illinois Employers to Know
As we approach the new year, Illinois employers should pay close attention to the myriad of new employment-related statutory requirements taking effect in 2026.
| Law Alerts
Immigration Enforcement Policy Changes Signed into Law
On December 9, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 1312 into law as P.A. 104-0440, implementing obligations and prohibitions for public higher education institutions across the state related to immigration enforcement actions.