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
Appellate Court Finds that the City of Chicago Impermissibly Used an Employee’s Arrest Record to Terminate Her Employment
In an oftentimes confusing and ever changing employment area, criminal background checks, the Illinois Appellate Court recently addressed the Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA” or “Act”) prohibition against “using” the…
| Law Alerts
Federal District Court Issues Nationwide Temporary Injunction Staying Implementation of the DOL Final Overtime Rule
A federal district court in Texas has issued an order temporarily blocking the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing and enforcing its final overtime rule, scheduled to take effect…
| Law Alerts
The Illinois Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment and Its Effect on Certain School District Inter-Fund Transfers
On November 8, 2016, Illinois voters overwhelmingly approved Illinois Constitutional Amendment 36, the Illinois Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment also referred to as the “Safe Roads Amendment.” The Lockbox…
| Law Alerts
PAC Opines that RIF Joint Committee Meetings are Subject to the Open Meetings Act
On September 8, 2016, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) issued a non-binding decision to School District 46, in which it opined that meetings of its RIF Joint Committee are…
| In Brief
Recent Changes to the Liquor Control Act Allow Alcohol to be Served in Community College and Library District Buildings Under Certain Conditions
Recent amendments (P.A. 99-0550) to the Illinois Liquor Control Act (“Act”) affect community colleges and public library districts. The Act was amended to permit community colleges to serve alcohol in…
| Law Alerts
New Zoning Law for Illinois Public School Districts
On August 25, 2016, Governor Rauner signed Public Act 99-0890, which amends the Illinois Counties, Township, and Municipal Codes to reflect that Illinois public school districts are subject to local government…
| Law Alerts
Legislation Extends “Sunset Date” for School Districts To Make Certain Interfund Transfers
Thanks to Public Act 99-713 effective on August 5, 2016, boards of education in school districts outside Chicago may continue to rely on School Code Section 17-2A which confers broad…
| Law Alerts
New Law Limits Actions by Outgoing Community College Boards on Certain Employment Agreements
On July 29, 2016, Governor Rauner signed Public Act 99-0693 which amends the Public Community College Act to limit outgoing Boards of Trustees from amending or entering into a new employment agreement…