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 Updates its 2008 Guidance on Religious Discrimination and Accommodation
On January 15, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) finalized new Guidance regarding religious discrimination and accommodation in the workplace.
| In Brief
Community Colleges to Face New Requirements for Student Placement and Developmental Education
On January 11, 2021, the Illinois legislature passed House Bill 2170, which will introduce sweeping educational reforms if Governor Pritzker signs the bill as expected. While most of the bill…
| In Brief
New Omnibus Legislation Has Broad Implications for Illinois K-12 Districts
On January 11, 2021, House Bill 2170 officially passed the Illinois legislature and is currently awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature. HB 2170, which was backed by the Black legislative caucus, was…
| Law Alerts
“A Reasonable Warning” Under the Illinois School Code: The Second District Appellate Court Rejects the Specific Conduct Rule
A board of education must provide a tenured teacher with “a reasonable warning, in writing, stating specifically the causes that if not removed, may result in charges” prior to dismissing a tenured teacher for remediable causes pursuant to Section 24-12 of the Illinois School Code. The “reasonable warning” requirement is often referred to as a “notice of remedial warning.”
| In Brief
2021 AMENDMENTS TO THE STUDENT ONLINE PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT
With school districts utilizing more software and remote learning tools than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need to ensure student data and personally identifiable student information is protected.
| In Brief
COMING SOON: LIMITS ON EMPLOYERS’ USE OF CRIMINAL CONVICTION RECORDS, EQUAL PAY REGISTRATION, AND EXTENDED PANDEMIC MEASURES
Last week the Illinois legislature passed two bills that may significantly impact many employers. If signed, SB 1480 will limit the use of criminal conviction records in employment decisions and create requirements for some private employers to obtain equal pay registration certificates.
| In Brief
Extensive Law Enforcement Reform Bill Awaits Signature
Just before its two-year legislative cycle ended on Wednesday, the Illinois legislature passed HB 3653, a 764-page bill that is expected to make extensive changes to law enforcement throughout the state. Governor Pritzker has expressed support for HB 3653, and some provisions will go into effect as early as July 1, 2021 if he signs the bill.
| Law Alerts
THE EEOC, ONCE AGAIN, PROPOSES RULES ON WORKPLACE WELLNESS PLANS
On January 7, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) released proposed rules on employer wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (“GINA”).
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
IDPH Punts to Local Health Departments on Implementation of Shortened Quarantine Protocol
Written by Todd K. Hayden, Catherine R. Locallo and Jack Klinker This is an update to our December 3, 2020 Law Alert announcing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) options to…
| COVID-19, In Brief
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
As school districts continue to confront the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they may also be facing unprecedented financial challenges. In response to these challenges, all options available to reduce costs, including workforce reductions, may need to be considered. School districts may determine it necessary to implement a reduction-in-force (“RIF”) of its educational support personnel (“ESPs”), including paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, bus drivers, payroll clerks, and custodial and maintenance employees.