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
EEOC Gives a Nod to Employer Incentives for COVID-19 Vaccination
On May 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued long-awaited guidance addressing employer incentives for COVID-19 vaccination. In short, employer incentives are generally permissible under the Americans with…
| Law Alerts
Family and Medical Leave for Illinois Educational Employees
On May 26, 2021, both houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed a law amending the Illinois Public Community Act and the Illinois School Code to provide family and medical…
| Law Alerts
ISBE Approves Resolution for Full In-Person Learning
During its monthly open meeting today, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved a resolution that will impact some school districts’ planning for the next school year. ISBE voted unanimously to support a declaration by State Superintendent Carmen Ayala that, “Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days,” with the narrow exception that “remote instruction be made available for students who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are under a quarantine order.”
| In Brief
Masks, No Masks and Other Things: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Governor Pritzker’s announcement yesterday that Illinois has aligned its mask guidance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised many questions, including what authority controls (federal, state, local), what phase Illinois is in, and whether Illinois is operating under a disaster proclamation. This publication will answer some of the more pressing questions for the educational, municipal, and private sector entities.
| Education, Firm News
Pre-Order the Robbins Schwartz TRS Supplemental Savings Plan Compliance Kit
In 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Pension Code to add a requirement that the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) provide an optional defined contribution benefit to all eligible members of SURS (which is done through SURS employers).
| Education, Firm News
Available Now: SURS Deferred Compensation Plan Compliance Kit
In 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Pension Code to add a requirement that the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) provide an optional defined contribution benefit to all eligible members of SURS (which is done through SURS employers).
| Law Alerts
Imminent Revisions to Title IX Regulations
President Biden issued an Executive Order on March 8, 2021, requiring the Secretary of the Department of Education to review all existing regulations, policies, and guidance documents relating to Title IX.
| Law Alerts
Governor Pritzker Signs Into Law Changes Concerning Mail-in ballots and Election Security
On April 2, 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law, P.A. 102-0001 amending certain provisions of the Illinois Election Code.
| Law Alerts
Bill Limiting Uses of Criminal Conviction Records Becomes Law
On March 23, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1480 into law, making it Public Act 101-0656.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Voluntary FFCRA Leave Benefits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed comprehensive legislation into law designed to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act (the “Plan”) contains important provisions impacting employers navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.