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
Amendment to The Code of Civil Procedure Allows Municipalities to Evict Tenants for Criminal Activities
The Illinois Code of Civil Procedure has recently been amended by Public Act 97-236 to provide municipalities with an important new tool to enforce crime free housing ordinances and to…
| In Brief
Pension Reform: Sweeping Changes to IMRF
As part of the on-going pension reform being tackled by the State of Illinois, the Illinois legislature recently passed and the Governor recently signed several items of legislation which affect…
| In Brief
Missouri Court Grants Injunction Blocking Enforcement of Law Preventing Teachers from Social Media Contact with Students
Public schools across the country have dealt with the benefits and drawbacks to the use of social media by teachers to communicate with students. Although social medias are often beneficial…
| Law Alerts
New Posting Obligations for IMRF Employers
Public Act 97-609, effective January 1, 2012[1], adds a new section to the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/7.3), creating two new posting obligations for IMRF employers: The total compensation…
| In Brief
IRS Issues Long-awaited Guidance on Termination of Section 403(b) Plans
The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2011-7 (the “Ruling”), which clarifies the requirements for a sponsor to terminate a 403(b) plan, as well as the resulting tax consequences to plan…
| Law Alerts
New FOIA Amendments Ease Burden on Public Bodies
On August 27, 2011, Public Act 97-579 was signed into law, which amends FOIA by: (1) eliminating the “pre-authorization” process when asserting a denial under Section 7(1)(c) or 7(1)(f) of…
| In Brief
School District Victorious in Kankakee County Property Tax Dispute
In a victory for Illinois taxing bodies, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (“PTAB”) this month issued a decision rejecting an over-valuation challenge to the assessment of an industrial property…
| Law Alerts
New Law Mandates Training for All Board Members
On August 23, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 97-504 (the “Act”), which amends the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) by requiring all elected and appointed members of a public body…
| In Brief
Employees and Their Social Media Postings: Are They Protected Activity?
Employers are presently confronted with difficult legal and practical issues when considering the possibility of punishing employees for their statements on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. When is…
| Law Alerts
An Overview of Public Act 97-0008 – 2011 Education Reform Act
On June 13, 2011, Governor Quinn signed SB 7 into law during a bill signing ceremony in Maywood, Illinois. A proper assessment of Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) begins with…