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
Community Colleges Have New Aspirational Goals for Contracts Awarded to Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities
The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act, 30 ILCS 575/0.01 et. seq. (the “Business Enterprise Act” or “Act”) provides aspirational goals for the percentage of certain State…
| In Brief
Illinois Supreme Court Affirms Decision That School Districts are Subject to Municipal Zoning Regulations
The Illinois Supreme Court recently issued its long-awaited decision in Gurba v. Community High School District No. 155, 2015 IL 118332, affirming the Second District and Circuit Court’s decisions finding that Community…
| In Brief
New IL Supreme Court Case Heightens Need For Municipal Vigilance In Intervening On Pension Board Proceedings
In its latest ruling on the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (PSEBA), 820 ILCS 320/10, the Illinois Supreme Court strengthened its prior ruling on the finding of a “catastrophic” injury for purposes…
| Law Alerts
Governor Signs Legislation Setting Limitations on Community College Employment Contracts
On September 22, 2015, Governor Rauner signed House Bill 3593 into law as Public Act 99-0482. As reported in our July 2015 Law Alert, this law adds a new section to The…
| In Brief
SB 100 Significantly Alters School Districts’ Authority and Procedures for Issuing Exclusionary Discipline
On August 24, 2015, Senate Bill 100 (“SB 100”) was signed by Governor Rauner into law as Public Act 99-456. Effective September 15, 2016, SB 100 fundamentally alters the authority of…
| Law Alerts
New Requirements Make it Harder for Parents/Guardians to Object to Mandated Health Examinations and Immunizations Based on Religious Grounds
Governor Rauner recently signed Public Act 99-249 into law, which amends Section 27-8.01(8) of the Illinois School Code to make it harder for parents/guardians to object to mandated health examinations and immunizations…
| Education, In Brief
Legislature Overhauls Concussion Education, Oversight and Protocols for School Districts
Despite, and without amending, existing laws in Illinois related to concussion and head injury prevention and detection, the legislature passed a law which adds a new Section 22-80 to the Illinois…
| Law Alerts
School Building Safety and Security Will Be a Permissible Subject for Closed Session
On August 3, 2015, Governor Rauner signed House Bill 1498 into law as Public Act 99-0235, which amends an existing exception for closed session discussion by a public body under…
| Law Alerts
Upcoming PERA Deadline of November 1, 2015
For most school districts in Illinois, the 2015-2016 school year marks the beginning of the process for incorporating the use of data and indicators on student growth into teacher evaluations. …
| In Brief
Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act Imposes Even More Requirements than Title IX
Following considerable advocacy by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and rapid progress through the Illinois Legislature, Governor Rauner signed Public Act 99-426 into law. The majority of PA 99-426 consists of the…