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
Quiet Down Now: The “Moment of Silence” is Back
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Court has reversed a 2008 federal district court ruling which prohibited Illinois public schools from observing a “moment of silence” at…
| Law Alerts
Recent FOIA Request for “Legal Opinions of the ISBE”
Many Illinois school districts have recently received a Freedom of Information Act request, titled “FOIA Request for Legal Opinions of the ISBE”. The four-page request seeks copies of opinions issued…
| Law Alerts
Accommodating Filings For The 2011 Consolidated Election
This Law Alert supplements the firm’s 2011 Election Calendar (posted on www.rsnlt.com) with guidance concerning the business hours of local election officials during the last weeks of December 2010 –…
| In Brief
The Illinois Whistleblower Act – Amended Again
The Illinois Whistleblower Act (the “Act”) (740 ILCS 174/1 et seq.) strikes fear in the hearts of many employers. This is due to the statutory damages associated with employer violations,…
| In Brief
2011 Consolidated Election Calendar
CHANGED DEADLINES ARE QUICKLY APPROACHING THANKS TO RECENT LEGISLATION Public Act 96-1008, which became effective July 6, 2010, has changed many deadlines pertinent to the election responsibilities of board secretaries…