Legal News & Updates

Robbins Schwartz has pioneered defining the practice of education law as a singular discipline. As we continue to expand our services, we stay involved in the ongoing development and evolution of the law.

Latest Updates & News

The September 30 Deadline is Nearing for Submitting Claims for Reimbursement from TIF Funds for Students Residing in TIF Districts

September 30 is the deadline for school districts to submit a claim for reimbursement to their local city or village for students residing in housing supported by tax increment financing (TIF). Read more about this important deadline here.

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Hispanic Heritage Month – September 2024

Join us in celebrating the diverse culture, traditions, and achievements that enrich our communities this Hispanic Heritage Month.

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2025 Consolidated Election Calendar

Recent changes to the Election Code by Public Acts 103-0586 and 103-0600 have moved up or shifted the filing periods and timelines leading up to the Consolidated Election. For candidates, the period to begin obtaining nominating petition signatures began August 20, 2024, a month earlier than in previous election cycles.

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Amendment to Notice Requirements in Illinois Truth in Taxation Law: What You Need to Know

The Illinois General Assembly recently amended the notice requirements within the Truth in Taxation Law (the “Law”). 35 ILCS 200/18-55 et seq. The Law requires taxing districts to estimate the amount of money needed from property taxes at least 20 days prior to adoption of their final annual levy.

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Significant Amendment to Illinois Personnel Record Review Act Coming January 1, 2025

On August 2, 2024, Governor Pritzker signed into law Public Act 103-0727, which amends the Illinois Personnel Record Review Act. The amendment refines the requirements for making a valid personnel record request and expands employers’ obligations when turning over an employee’s personnel records. The amendment goes into effect on January 1, 2025. Read more here.

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Potential Cybersecurity Threat Linked to FOIA Requests

Several public bodies have received Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests from a business going by the name of FOIA Buddy. The requests typically reference staffing, budget, and other details of cyber systems. This company purports to be requesting information on behalf of a person named Frank Curry.  However, the website for FOIA Buddy does not appear legitimate, and the contact information provided by Frank Curry does not lead to any actual person. Read more here.

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High School Teacher’s Free Speech Rights Were Not Violated When School District Terminated Her for Disruptive Social Media Posts

A Massachusetts federal district court recently ruled that a school district did not violate its teacher’s First Amendment rights when it fired her for posting, reposting, or sharing several memes on social media. Read more here.

Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act Effective January 1, 2024

The Illinois General Assembly recently enacted the Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act. The Act will go into effect on January 1, 2023. Read more here.

Magnet School’s Student Admissions Policy Revised, in Part, to Increase Diversity, Faces Legal Challenges and Might be the Next DEI Case Before the Supreme Court

A group of Virginia area parents asked the Supreme Court to hear their complaints regarding their recent revision surrounding the student admissions process. Read more here.

Higher Education Happenings, September 2023

Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.

Supreme Court’s Student Admissions Decision Opens the Door to Lawsuits Challenging Employer DEI Initiatives

Employer DEI initiatives are facing challenges in light of the Supreme Court's recent student admissions decision. Read more here.

The Departments of Justice and Education Issue Guidance for Higher Education Institutions on Lawful Diversity and Equity Measures

The United States Departments of Justice and Education released written guidance to assist colleges and universities in understanding the decision to invalidate the use of race in student admissions. Read more here.

New School Year – New Teacher Rules

Read more about the recent modifications made to tenure qualifications for teachers here.

Bill Requiring Cash Reserve Reduction Plans Becomes Law

Public Act 103-0394 has recently been signed into law by Governor Pritzker. Read more here.

Governor Signs Legislation Allowing Certain Non-Citizens to Become Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers in Illinois

Governor Pritzker has signed legislation that will allow certain non-citizens to become deputy sheriffs and police officers in Illinois. Read more here.

2023 Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference

Join us on Thursday, September 14, 2023 for our annual Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference.