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
Legislature Mandates Mechanism for Two-Way Communication Between the Public and Elected Officials
Beginning January 1, 2015, units of local government and school districts are required to “post a mechanism, such as a uniform single email address, on its Internet website for members…
| Law Alerts
State Colleges and Universities to Ban Smoking on Campus by July 1, 2015
The Smoke-Free Campus Act The Smoke-Free Campus Act (the “Act”) signed into law on August 18, 2014, prohibits smoking[1] on all “State-supported” colleges and universities beginning July 1, 2015. This includes…
| Law Alerts
UPDATE: Smoking Allowed in a Personal Vehicle on a State College or University Campus
On August 26, 2014, we published a Law Alert regarding The Smoke Free Campus Act (the “Act”), which prohibits smoking on all “State-supported” colleges and universities beginning July 1, 2015[1]. As…
| In Brief
EEOC Issues First New Pregnancy Discrimination Guidance in 30 Years
On July 14, 2014, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued its first enforcement guidance in more than thirty years on pregnancy discrimination. The Guidance addresses employers’ obligations to…
| Law Alerts
Appellate Court Clarifies Developer’s Relief Law
The Illinois Appellate Court recently reversed a Property Tax Appeal Board (“PTAB”) decision which had created a $240,000 property tax refund liability against Sycamore School District and other taxing districts…
| Law Alerts
Legislature Changes Township Notice Requirements for the Annual Town Meeting
Public Act 98-0653, effective June 18, 2014, now requires township clerks to post notice of the annual town meeting at least 15 days before the meeting. Previously, 10 days notice…
| Law Alerts
U.S. Department of Education Publishes Long-Awaited Proposed Regs for 2013 Clery Act Amendments
The U.S. Department of Education today published proposed regulations to implement changes made last year to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, as part…
| Law Alerts
Court Enjoins Implementation of Pension Reform
On May 14, 2014, the Sangamon County Circuit Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction delaying implementation of Public Act 98-0599 (“Pension Reform Act”). In its order, the…
| Law Alerts
BREAKING NEWS:
On May 14, 2014, the Circuit Court for the 7th Judicial Circuit in Sangamon County, Illinois, approved a temporary restraining order to delay implementation of Public Act 98-0599 (SB 1 –…