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, News
2024 Title IX Regulations Struck Down
On January 9th, a federal district court in Kentucky invalidated the 2024 Title IX regulations nationwide, ruling them unlawful for exceeding the Department of Education's authority, violating the Constitution, and being arbitrarily and capriciously enacted. Read more here.
| Law Alerts, News
Electronic Bidding for Construction Contracts Now Permitted Under Recent Amendment to the Public Community College Act
The Illinois General Assembly amended Section 3-27.1 of the Public Community College Act to permit electronic submission of sealed construction bids, provided they comply with bid document authorization, electronic security measures, and secure receipt procedures. Read more here.
| Law Alerts, News
The Future of the 2024 Title IX Regulations: What to Do Now and What to Expect
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education under President Biden’s Administration released its regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which went into effect on August 1, 2024, significantly changed the Title IX regulations that were implemented under President Trump’s Administration in 2020. Given the results of the Presidential election, the 2024 Regulations face an uncertain future.
| In Brief, News
Appellate Court Clarifies 2016 School Code Changes in Property Detachment Evidence
In 2016, significant statutory changes were made to how certain evidence is to be considered in situations where property owners seek to detach their property from one school district and annex to another.
| Law Alerts, News
New Amendment to Illinois Joint Purchasing Act Gives Public Bodies More Flexibility with Cooperative Purchasing
The Governmental Joint Purchasing Act in Illinois has been amended by Public Act 103-0865, effective January 1, 2025, to provide governmental units greater flexibility and ease compliance when engaging in cooperative purchasing programs by allowing vendor selection based on qualifications and suitability rather than solely on competitive bidding rankings. Read more here.
| Law Alerts, News
Nationwide Hold on DOL’s Increases to Minimum Salary for Overtime Exemption
Early this year, the Department of Labor (DOL) revised the regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) implementing the exemptions from overtime pay for executive, administrative, and professional employees.
| In Brief, News
2024 Legislative Roundup for Higher Education
This publication summarizes key changes in the law that are relevant to higher education institutions, with an emphasis on new and enhanced protections for employees in the workplace. As always, please contact your Robbins Schwartz attorney with questions about how these new laws may affect your organization.
| Law Alerts, News
Illinois Public Board Issues Leave Notification Memo
In August 2024, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board issued a memo outlining new reporting requirements for law enforcement employers, including municipalities and colleges, when officers take military or medical leave of 30 days or more. Read more in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
The September 30 Deadline is Nearing for Submitting Claims for Reimbursement from TIF Funds for Students Residing in TIF Districts
September 30 is the deadline for school districts to submit a claim for reimbursement to their local city or village for students residing in housing supported by tax increment financing (TIF). Read more about this important deadline here.
| In Brief, News
2025 Consolidated Election Calendar
Recent changes to the Election Code by Public Acts 103-0586 and 103-0600 have moved up or shifted the filing periods and timelines leading up to the Consolidated Election. For candidates, the period to begin obtaining nominating petition signatures began August 20, 2024, a month earlier than in previous election cycles.