Legal News & Updates
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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.
November 12, 2025 | Municipal Updates
Public Act 104-0158: Updated Requirements for Police Officer Background Checks
Effective January 1, 2026, Public Act 104-0158 amends the Illinois Police Training Act (the “Act”) and will change the way Police Departments conduct background checks and inspections of employment records for prospective police officer applicants.
October 21, 2025 | K-12 Updates
New Illinois Law’s Impact on a School Resource Officer’s Role on School Grounds
In its most recent session, the IL Legislature brought full circle the changes it initiated in 2015 for school-based fines for students. In 2015, the IL Legislature passed a law that prevented districts from using fines to discipline students, but still permitted a SRO to issue tickets with monetary fines for student as part of school-based discipline. On August 20, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1519 into law to restrict a SRO’s ability to engage in this practice.
October 17, 2025 | General Updates
Illinois Passes Package of Amendments to OMA and FOIA
The Illinois General Assembly passed an omnibus bill encompassing a wide range of changes to the Illinois OMA and FOIA in Senate Bill 0243. The amendments include significant updates that public bodies should be aware of as they manage board meetings and the increasing number of FOIA requests that could create cybersecurity risks.
October 15, 2025 | K-12 Updates
Seventh Circuit Upholds Neutral Regulation of Student Political Speech
On August 14, 2025, the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of Noblesville School District in E.D. v. Noblesville. The case arose after a high school student was restricted from posting flyers containing political content to promote a meeting of Noblesville Students for Life, a pro-life advocacy club.
