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
Non-Tenured Techer Dismissal Checklist
This In Brief will summarize school district’s obligations under The School Code for non-reemployment and dismissal of non-tenured teachers for performance reasons only. This summary does not apply to reduction-in-force (“RIF”) layoff of non-tenured…
| In Brief
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
A reduction-in-force (“RIF”) of ESPs occurs whenever a district decides to decrease the number of ESPs employed by the school board or to discontinue a particular type of support service.…
| Firm News
Five RSNLT Attorneys Named in Illinois Super Lawyers
Robbins Schwartz is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been recognized in the 2012 edition of Illinois Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers selects only 5 percent of all lawyers in…
| Firm News
New Laws Effective 1/1/2012
The following laws have an effective date of January 1, 2012. School Districts Personnel HB1240/PA97-0248 – Requires school districts to share, with any school district, community college or private school…
| Law Alerts
‘New Year’ Rings in Change to Salary Reporting Obligations for School Districts
Effective January 1, 2012, school districts have only one salary and benefits reporting obligation under The School Code.[1] Public Act 97-259 (the “Act”) repealed School Code Section 10-20.50, which required school districts to create a…
| Law Alerts
Attorney General: Disclosure of Certain Private Email and Cell Phone Records Required by FOIA
On November 15, 2011, the Attorney General issued a binding opinion examining what is a “public record” subject to request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In Public…
| Firm News
RSNLT Welcomes New Associate
Robbins Schwartz Nicholas Lifton & Taylor, Ltd. is pleased to announce our newest associate. David G. Weldon joins our Chicago office where he will concentrate on labor and employment law.…
| In Brief
2012 General Primary Election Calendar
CHANGES IN THE LAW FROM THE 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY Senate Bill 1586, an omnibus election bill, was signed into law on July 5, 2011 as Public Act 97-81. Its provisions…
| Law Alerts
Further Guidance for Compliance with New Posting Obligations for IMRF Employers
In September we issued a Law Alert regarding Public Act 97-609 (the “Act”), which requires IMRF-covered employers to post the total compensation package (“TCP”)[1] for: (1) every IMRF-covered employee earning a TCP…
| In Brief
NLRB ALJ Rules That Chicago Area Car Dealership Had Overly Broad Policies, but Upholds Employee’s Dismissal
As noted in our August 2011 In Brief on this topic, employers continue to be confronted with difficult legal and practical issues when considering the possibility of punishing employees for their statements…