Legal News & Updates
Posts
March 4, 2026 | General Updates
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.
February 27, 2026 | Municipal Updates
Recent Circuit Court Case Demonstrates Risk of Using Transportation Funds for Non-Transportation-Related Expenditures
A Cook County Circuit Court ruled that the County violated the 2016 transportation tax “lockbox” amendment by improperly spending over $243 million in transportation tax revenue on non-transportation purposes.
February 16, 2026 | General Updates
“Moral Conscience” Isn’t Enough for Religious Accommodation
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision clarifying the requirements of school employers related to the vaccinate or test requirements under Governor Pritzker’s executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 13, 2026 | General Updates
Reminder: Public Bodies May Not Hold a Public Meeting on March 17, 2026
March 17, 2026 is a General Primary Election Day, and public bodies may not hold meetings that day under the Open Meetings Act. Make sure your board calendar reflects this change.
February 10, 2026 | General Updates
Illinois Appellate Court Upholds TIF Despite Preexisting Development
In a significant decision for local governments and taxing bodies, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the Village of Winfield’s creation of a new TIF, even though substantial redevelopment by Central DuPage Hospital had already begun prior to its formal enactment.
February 3, 2026 | General Updates
New Proposed FOIA Legislation Seeks Practical Relief for Public Bodies
The Illinois General Assembly is back in session. We worked with partner firms to introduce FOIA legislation sponsored by Representative Daniel Didech to address public sector client concerns while preserving FOIA’s purpose. The bills have not yet been voted on and may be amended. A summary follows.
January 20, 2026 | K-12 Updates
2026 Refresher on Educational Support Personnel RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines
As we head into the second half of the 2025-26 school year, school districts must begin to make important decisions about their staffing needs for the 2026-2027 school year.
January 15, 2026 | Higher Education Updates
Regulating Intelligence: New A.I. Laws and their Impact on Higher Education
The new year brings new compliance obligations for Illinois community colleges concerning the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Two new laws, both effective on January 1, 2026, place parameters on the evolving world of A.I.
November 21, 2025 | Higher Education Updates
Immigration Enforcement Related Changes to the Public Higher Education Act
The Illinois General Assembly has approved House Bill 1312 (“HB 1312” or “the Bill”), amending the Illinois Public Higher Education Act (110 ILCS 167/et seq., “the Act”) which includes new January 1, 2026 deadlines for college procedures relating to immigration enforcement-related issues.
November 18, 2025 | General Updates
End of Year Levy Reminders
With levy time approaching, public bodies should be mindful of the applicable deadlines and other legislative requirements impacting levies and other public finance matters.
