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.
| In Brief
Governor Signs More Labor & Employment Bills Impacting School Districts Into Law
In a further follow-up to our firm’s July 27, 2021, webinar titled “Wading Through the Waters of the Spring 2021 Legislative Session”, we report that the following bills have been signed into law.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Vaccine Mandate for Pre-K to Grade 12 Employees and Employees and Students in Higher Ed Setting
In response to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Governor Pritzker upped the ante on vaccination as part of the state’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois. Specifically,…
| Law Alerts
Postsecondary Title IX Decision-Makers No Longer Prohibited From Considering Statements By Parties Or Witnesses Not Subject To Cross-Examination
The Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (the “Department”), in an August 24, 2021 letter, stated that a Title IX Decision-Maker (Hearing Office) may now consider statements made by…
| Law Alerts
Governor Pritzker Signs PTELL Amendment to Recapture Refunds While the Bill’s Sponsor Seeks to Repeal and Replace
On August 20, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 508 (“SB 508”) into law as Public Act 102-0519 (“P.A. 102-0519”). Among other things, this new law amends the Property Tax…
| Law Alerts
New Statutory Class Enrollment Notice to Adjunct Faculty
We are pleased to report that because of swift action by community college presidents, ICCTA and our law firm this past spring, a more manageable version of House Bill 0375 was signed into law last week.
| Law Alerts
Governor Signs Labor & Employment Bills Impacting School Districts Into Law
This Law Alert outlines recent bills that have been passed and are set to become law.
| Law Alerts
Mask Mandate for PK-12 Schools
On August 4, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced a new mandate requiring universal masking in all pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public and nonpublic schools immediately.
| Law Alerts
Court of Appeals Denies Students’ Request to Prevent Indiana University from Implementing Its COVID -19 Vaccination Policy
On August 2, 2021, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal district court’s decision denying eight students’ request to enjoin Indiana University (the “University”) from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations of all students taking in-person classes.
| Law Alerts
Pritzker Signs Bill Requiring Increased TIF District Reporting for Municipalities
On July 23, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 571, now Public Act 102-0127, which amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. The new law places additional disclosure requirements on municipalities regarding the performance of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts.
| 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.