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.
| Law Alerts
An Overview of Public Act 97-0008 – 2011 Education Reform Act
On June 13, 2011, Governor Quinn signed SB 7 into law during a bill signing ceremony in Maywood, Illinois. A proper assessment of Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) begins with…
| Law Alerts
Court Decision Raises Questions about Multi-year Administrator Contracts
A recent federal district court decision in Illinois has raised questions about the inclusion of performance goals and the enforceability of multi-year employment agreements for school superintendents. In Wynn v.…
| Law Alerts
Pension Reform Bill Stalls in the Illinois House of Representatives
A pension reform plan that was making its way through the Illinois General Assembly has stalled. Senate Bill 512 would have created a three-tiered retirement system for most state employees,…
| In Brief
Education Reform Legislation Awaits Governor’s Signature
On May 12, 2011, the Illinois House of Representatives took final action to pass Senate Bill 7. This bill has been forwarded to the Governor for action and is currently…
| In Brief
The Incredible Shrinking Tax Base for 2011 Taxes
Public Act 096-1083 Could Give Rise to Increased Assessment Appeals For school districts and other units of local governments that rely upon property taxes for substantial portions of their funds,…
| In Brief
Appellate Court Ruling a Reminder to Public Officials: Certain Public Offices Are Incompatible and Cannot Be Held Simultaneously
The First District Appellate Court in the case of People ex rel. Anita Alvarez v. Keith Price, __ Ill. App. 3d __, 2011 WL 947130 (1st Dist. 2011), affirmed the holding…
| In Brief
FOIA UPDATE: Binding Opinions and Pre-Approval Letters Issued by the Public Access Counselor
It has been over one (1) year since the amended Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) took effect. While some of the initial questions and concerns about amended FOIA have been…
| Law Alerts
Beware of Property Tax Appeal Letters
In these tough economic times, increasing numbers of residential, commercial and industrial property owners are going to greater lengths in an effort to minimize property tax liability and save money.…
| In Brief
Appellate Court finds Municipalities Must Pay 100% of Insurance Premiums for Injured Public Safety Employees from Date of Injury
In the recent Appellate Court decision of Nowak v. City of Country Club Hills, the First District Appellate Court, which has jurisdiction of Cook County and the Chicago collar counties, determined…
| Firm News
RSNLT Attorneys Speak Out In Support of Wind Energy
Robbins Schwartz attorneys Paul Stephanides and Fred Lane were quoted in two news publications speaking in favor of wind farm development in Bureau Country.