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
FOIA and OMA Changes Signed into Law
On November 21, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 0243 into law as P.A. 104-0438, ensuring that key changes to the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act take effect on January 1, 2026.
| Law Alerts
Immigration Enforcement Related Changes to the Public Higher Education Act
The Illinois General Assembly has approved House Bill 1312 (“HB 1312” or “the Bill”), amending the Illinois Public Higher Education Act (110 ILCS 167/et seq., “the Act”) which includes new January 1, 2026 deadlines for college procedures relating to immigration enforcement-related issues.
| Law Alerts
End of Year Levy Reminders
With levy time approaching, public bodies should be mindful of the applicable deadlines and other legislative requirements impacting levies and other public finance matters.
| Law Alerts
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.
| Law Alerts
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.
| Law Alerts
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.