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
“Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct”
Maryam T. Brontine authored “Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct” published in the November 2012 issue of National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Inquiry & Analysis. Maryam discusses that…
| Law Alerts
Compliance Reminder: Training Requirements for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and Elected Officials
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandate training for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and elected/appointed officials. With a new year on the horizon, the various training requirements are…
| In Brief
Court Rules on Attorney Fees and Civil Penalties under FOIA
Interpreting the attorney fees and civil penalty provisions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as amended in 2010, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Second District has opined that:…
| In Brief
SURS Return-To-Work: New Limits Affecting the Cost and Procedures to Employ SURS Annuitants
On August 16, 2012, Governor Quinn signed HB 4996 into law as Public Act 97-968 (“Act”) after the bill passed both houses unanimously. The Act amends the SURS Article of…
| Law Alerts
New Law Furthers Religious Accommodations for College Students
Since January 1, 1996, Illinois’ University Religious Observances Act (the “Act”) has required public institutions of higher education to have a policy which reasonably accommodates individual students’ religious observances in…
| Law Alerts
The Illinois Supreme Court Holds That Students, Alleging That Pedophile Teacher’s Former School District Provided False Information to Students’ District, Can Proceed with Lawsuit
The Illinois Supreme Court this week held that Urbana School District students could pursue their lawsuit against the McLean County School District for providing Urbana with false information about the…
| In Brief
Taxing Districts Fighting Back
In a time of declining property values, it is growing easier and easier for taxpayers in tax appeals to obtain appraisals showing that a property’s actual value is below its…
| In Brief
NLRB Acting General Counsel Issues a Report on Employer Social Media Policies
Are you concerned about an employee’s post or tweet containing confidential business information or inappropriate comments related to their working conditions? If you are, can you lawfully discipline or discharge…
| Law Alerts
Public Act 97-0875: Illinois’ New “Facebook” Law
On August 1, 2012, Governor Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (“Workplace Privacy Act”) which prohibits employers from “requesting or requiring any…