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
NJCAA Updated Plan of Action for 2020–21 Moves Several Sports to the Spring
Written by Frank B. Garrett and John “Jack” Klinker On July 13th, the NJCAA announced its updated plan of action for the 2020–21 sports seasons based upon recommendations from the…
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Federal Government Rescinds Policy Restricting International Students’ Ability to Remain in the U.S. if Taking only Online Courses
Written by Frank B. Garrett and John “Jack” Klinker On July 14th, the federal government decided to rescind a policy whereunder international students would be required to leave the United…
| Law Alerts
The Supreme Court Upholds Employer Religious and Moral Exemptions to the ACA’s Contraceptive Mandate
Written by Frank B. Garrett and Matthew M. Swift The United States Supreme Court has issued another decision about the “contraceptive mandate,” part of the “minimum essential coverage” requirements for…
| COVID-19, Education, Special Education
FAQ: Interpreting the ISBE/IDPH Joint Guidance on the Return to School
We recognize the benefit of having access not only to our recorded webinar, but also the written FAQ with answers from the webinar.
| Law Alerts
First Amendment Bars Some Employment Claims by Teachers at Religious Schools
Written by Frank B. Garrett III and Matthew M. Swift Today the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion to address two consolidated cases involving employment discrimination claims by elementary…
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Legislative Action Extends Sunset of Longer Day/Hour Work Maximums for Annuitants
Written by Catie Locallo Given anticipated staffing challenges due to absences related to COVID-19, school districts may be relieved to learn that the planned sunset of the 120 paid days/600…
| COVID-19, In Brief
Recently Published COVID-19 Guidance for Illinois Colleges and Universities
Written by Frank B. Garrett III and John “Jack” Klinker As the state enters Phase 4 of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, guidance for returning to in-person instruction has been…
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
IDES Issues Guidance to Educational Institutions regarding Recent Changes to Illinois Unemployment Law
Written by John “Jack” Klinker and Todd K. Hayden As noted in our previous publication, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, new legislation was recently passed amending the Illinois Unemployment…
| COVID-19, In Brief
ISBE PUBLISHES GUIDANCE FOR STARTING THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
On June 23rd, ISBE and IDPH published their latest installment of COVID-19-related joint guidance—this time addressing the transition back to in-person instruction during the fall 2020 semester. ISBE is “strongly encourag[ing]” that districts throughout the state return to in-person instruction during Phase 4 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois plan.
| Law Alerts
State Budget Continues Trend of Diverting Personal Property Replacement Tax Revenues
Written by M. Neal Smith The Illinois State Fiscal Year Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 was passed by the General Assembly on May 24, 2020 and…