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
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.
Illinois PAC Issues Binding Opinion on Improper Restrictions on Public Comment
The Illinois PAC issued binding opinion 26-001, finding that the Village of Sauk Village violated the Open Meetings Act by impermissibly restricting a member of the public from addressing the Village Board during a committee meeting.
| Law Alerts, News
New Act Provides Students Debt Protections while Imposing New Requirements on Postsecondary Institutions
On May 27, 2022, Governor Pritzker signed the Student Debt Assistance Act (the “Act”) into law as Public Act 102-0998. Read more below!
| Law Alerts, News
Amendment to the Illinois Board of Higher Education Act Requires Illinois Colleges and Universities to Develop and Report on Student Equity Plans and Practices
HB 5464 (P.A. 102-149) now requires all public institutions of higher education in Illinois to develop and submit to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (“IBHE”) an equity plan and practices to increase the access, retention, completion, and student loan repayment rates of minorities, rural students, adult students, women, and individuals with disabilities who are traditionally underrepresented in education programs and activities.
| Law Alerts, News
Newly Signed Law Expands Unpaid Bereavement Leave, Effective January 1, 2023
Read our latest Law Alert!
| Law Alerts, News
School Boards Now Have Additional Time to Schedule the Organizational Meeting Following a Consolidated Election
Read our latest Law Alert!
| COVID-19, Law Alerts, News
Governor Signs Four Bills Aimed at Addressing Staffing Shortages
Read our Law Alert on the bills that Governor Pritzker signed into law on April 27, 2022.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts, News
Governor Signs Paid COVID-19 Leave into Law for Vaccinated School and College Employees
Public Act 102-0697, requires schools and colleges to provide paid leave to their vaccinated employees for reasons related to COVID-19 during a public health emergency. If a school or college requires vaccinated employees to also participate in COVID-19 testing, they must also participate in the mandated testing to be eligible for the paid leave.