Legal News & Updates
Legal Updates
April 20, 2026 | General Updates
DOJ Extends ADA Title II WCAG Web Accessibility Deadlines
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.
March 10, 2026 | General Updates
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.”
March 5, 2026 | General Updates
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.
March 4, 2026 | General Updates
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.
February 16, 2026 | General Updates
“Moral Conscience” Isn’t Enough for Religious Accommodation
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision clarifying the requirements of school employers related to the vaccinate or test requirements under Governor Pritzker’s executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 13, 2026 | General Updates
Reminder: Public Bodies May Not Hold a Public Meeting on March 17, 2026
March 17, 2026 is a General Primary Election Day, and public bodies may not hold meetings that day under the Open Meetings Act. Make sure your board calendar reflects this change.
February 10, 2026 | General Updates
Illinois Appellate Court Upholds TIF Despite Preexisting Development
In a significant decision for local governments and taxing bodies, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the Village of Winfield’s creation of a new TIF, even though substantial redevelopment by Central DuPage Hospital had already begun prior to its formal enactment.
February 3, 2026 | General Updates
New Proposed FOIA Legislation Seeks Practical Relief for Public Bodies
The Illinois General Assembly is back in session. We worked with partner firms to introduce FOIA legislation sponsored by Representative Daniel Didech to address public sector client concerns while preserving FOIA’s purpose. The bills have not yet been voted on and may be amended. A summary follows.
November 18, 2025 | General Updates
End of Year Levy Reminders
With levy time approaching, public bodies should be mindful of the applicable deadlines and other legislative requirements impacting levies and other public finance matters.
October 17, 2025 | General Updates
Illinois Passes Package of Amendments to OMA and FOIA
The Illinois General Assembly passed an omnibus bill encompassing a wide range of changes to the Illinois OMA and FOIA in Senate Bill 0243. The amendments include significant updates that public bodies should be aware of as they manage board meetings and the increasing number of FOIA requests that could create cybersecurity risks.
