Law Alerts
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Law Alerts
2026 Legislative Updates for Illinois Employers to Know
By Maritza Guevara |
As we approach the new year, Illinois employers should pay close attention to the myriad of new employment-related statutory requirements taking effect in 2026.
Immigration Enforcement Policy Changes Signed into Law
By Maritza Guevara |
On December 9, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 1312 into law as P.A. 104-0440, implementing obligations and prohibitions for public higher education institutions across the state related to immigration enforcement actions.
FOIA and OMA Changes Signed into Law
By Maritza Guevara |
On November 21, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 0243 into law as P.A. 104-0438, ensuring that key changes to the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act take effect on January 1, 2026.
Immigration Enforcement Related Changes to the Public Higher Education Act
By Maritza Guevara |
The Illinois General Assembly has approved House Bill 1312 (“HB 1312” or “the Bill”), amending the Illinois Public Higher Education Act (110 ILCS 167/et seq., “the Act”) which includes new January 1, 2026 deadlines for college procedures relating to immigration enforcement-related issues.
End of Year Levy Reminders
By Maritza Guevara |
With levy time approaching, public bodies should be mindful of the applicable deadlines and other legislative requirements impacting levies and other public finance matters.
Public Act 104-0158: Updated Requirements for Police Officer Background Checks
By Maritza Guevara |
Effective January 1, 2026, Public Act 104-0158 amends the Illinois Police Training Act (the "Act") and will change the way Police Departments conduct background checks and inspections of employment records for prospective police officer applicants.
New Illinois Law’s Impact on a School Resource Officer’s Role on School Grounds
By Maritza Guevara |
In its most recent session, the IL Legislature brought full circle the changes it initiated in 2015 for school-based fines for students. In 2015, the IL Legislature passed a law that prevented districts from using fines to discipline students, but still permitted a SRO to issue tickets with monetary fines for student as part of school-based discipline. On August 20, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1519 into law to restrict a SRO’s ability to engage in this practice.
Illinois Passes Package of Amendments to OMA and FOIA
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
Seventh Circuit Upholds Neutral Regulation of Student Political Speech
By Maritza Guevara |
On August 14, 2025, the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of Noblesville School District in E.D. v. Noblesville. The case arose after a high school student was restricted from posting flyers containing political content to promote a meeting of Noblesville Students for Life, a pro-life advocacy club.
Understanding How Informal Meetings Can Trigger Open Meetings Act
By Maritza Guevara |
On August 12, 2025, the PAC issued binding opinion 25-011, finding that the Washington County Board violated the OMA by attending an informational meeting hosted by a private company regarding a proposed energy project in Washington County.