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
DOJ Extends ADA Title II WCAG Web Accessibility Deadlines
Effective today, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) extending the compliance deadlines for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) web and mobile application accessibility requirements.
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.
| In Brief
2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION CALENDAR
The Covid-19 pandemic has touched nearly all aspects of daily life and as this In Brief goes out the county is less than two months away from a contentious federal election conducted under circumstances few imagined possible at the start of the year. Though the Consolidated Election is not until April 2021—a time some normalcy is hopefully starting to return to our lives—much of the process for nominating candidates and hearing objections occurs in the fall and winter of this year. There will surely be surprises and questions. We will be here to assist you as they come up.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Back at It Again with Updated Return to School/Work Guidance
Both the CDC and IDPH recently published updates regarding when individuals may return to school/work following a COVID-19 related event or travel.
| In Brief, Municipal Law
APPELLATE COURT DETERMINES VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT FINE IS ACTUALLY A “FEE”
The Fifth District Appellate Court recently decided the case of Saladrigas v. City of O’Fallon, 2020 IL App (5th) 190466, a class-action lawsuit challenging the validity of a City of O’Fallon Ordinance authorizing the impoundment of motor vehicles used to commit certain offenses, including DUI, driving while license revoked, and driving while license suspended. The City’s Ordinance provided that the City could impound the motor vehicle used in the listed offenses and charge $500 to the owner of the vehicle impounded under the Ordinance.
| Law Alerts
Better Late than Never? Joint Statement on Teacher Evaluations Released
One area of anticipation going into the new school year was how districts would conduct teacher evaluations in the variety of remote learning scenarios that have played out since ISBE issued its return to school guidance this past summer.
| Education, Firm News
Available Now: Title IX Toolkit for K-12 Schools
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
New Election Day Requirements for Schools and Local Governments Are Here
In June, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 101-0642 into law, creating a number of requirements aimed at helping the state prepare for holding the 2020 General Election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Education, Firm News
Available Now: Title IX Toolkit for Higher Education Institutions
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
DOL Updates to FFCRA Eligibility Considering Children Returning to School
On August 27th, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) updated its Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) guidance to address nagging questions on the applicability of the leave in remote learning variations as students return to school in the fall.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
ISBE is Breaking Down Barriers—That is, Previous Physical Barrier Requirements
Amid the flurry of its recent updates, ISBE modified previously issued requirements regarding the division of large rooms such as cafeterias, libraries, and gyms.
| Law Alerts
Appellate Court Reverses PTAB on Erroneous Interpretation of Law: Taxpayer will have to reimburse impacted taxing districts
On August 17, 2020, the Third District Appellate Court reversed a decision of the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) that had previously required taxing districts to pay a substantial refund.