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.
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Changes to the Prevailing Wage Act Lessen Burdens on Public Bodies
On January 15, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 100-1177 amending the Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/1 et. seq. The bill will take effect on June 1, 2019. Key changes…
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Compliance Reminder: Teacher Tenure Accrual
As school districts assess staffing for the next school year, questions continue to arise about the tenure accrual process under the School Code, which changed for teachers first employed on…
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New: Active Shooter Drills Required Within First 90 Days of School Year
Public Act 100-996 recently amended the School Safety Drill Act to require all schools in Illinois to conduct at least one (1) annual active shooter or active threat drill, effective…
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U.S. Department of Education Releases Proposed Title IX Regulations
On November 16, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education released proposed regulations addressing how educational institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment and assault under Title IX of the Education Amendments of…
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Filing Periods for the Consolidated Election Are Just Around the Corner
As a reminder, for candidates seeking election at the April 2, 2019 Consolidated Election, Monday December 10, 2018 is the first date that candidates may file their nominating papers. All…
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Coming Soon: Mandatory Employee Expense Reimbursements
Effective January 1, 2019, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act has been amended to impose an affirmative duty on Illinois employers to reimburse certain expenses incurred by its employees. …
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Recent Amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act
On August 24, 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) allowing employees more time to file Charges of Discrimination with the Illinois Department of Human Rights…
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Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Finds that Oakton Community College’s Decision to Discontinue Employment of SURS Annuitants Was Not Age Discriminatory
On October 11, 2018, a three-judge panel on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision affirming the award of summary judgment to Oakton Community College (“Oakton”) by the…
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Township Clerks Must Attest to Payouts
Effective January 1, 2019, the Illinois legislature enacted Public Act 100-0983 (the “Act”) requiring township clerks to “attest” to all payouts made by a township supervisor from a township treasury…