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
Recent Amendment Increases Rights of Nursing Mothers
Effective August 21, 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (the “Act”) 820 ILCS 260/10 for the purpose of enhancing the rights of nursing mothers…
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Recent Legislative Changes Require School Districts to Update Student Procedures
Several recent legislative changes impact the delivery of service to students and require schools to update existing protocols and procedures. These changes include the following: Assistive Technology Notice for Students…
| Law Alerts
New Requirements for Employment Contracts That Contain a Provision for Severance Pay
Effective January 1, 2019, and pursuant to the new Government Severance Pay Act, contracts or employment agreements entered into by units of local government that contain a provision for severance pay…
| Law Alerts
New Law Exempts Certain Committee Meetings and Bargaining Strategy Sessions from Open Meetings Act Requirements
Effective January 1, 2019, Public Act 100-0768 amends the Illinois School Code to exempt meetings of the RIF Joint Committee and the PERA Joint Committee from the requirements of the Open Meetings…
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New Laws Designed to Address Illinois’ Teacher Shortage
In recent weeks, Governor Rauner signed several important pieces of legislation relating to school districts’ recruitment and employment of substitute teachers. Below are a summary of these new laws. 1.…
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#MeToo Movement’s Impact on Local Governments: Severance Agreements Related to Sexual Harassment or Discrimination Must be Published
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, on August 23, 2018, Public Act 100-1040 (the “Act”) was signed into law, amending the Local Records Act and establishing a new transparency requirement for…
| Law Alerts
Appellate Court Affirms That Discipline Records More Than Four Years Old Are Exempt Under FOIA
In Johnson v. Joliet Police Department, 2018 IL App (3d) 170726, the City of Joliet partially denied a FOIA request seeking an employee’s disciplinary history that was more than four years…
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Supreme Court Invalidates Fair Share
The Supreme Court issued its decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, et al. on June 27, 2018. The question before the Court was…
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Budget Bill to Limit End of Career Salary Increases to Three Percent
The Illinois Senate and House of Representatives have passed a bipartisan budget bill (HB 3342) that Governor Rauner has pledged to sign today on Monday, June 4, 2018. Of particular…