Legal News & Updates
News
Section 17-2A Interfund Transfer Extension Legislation Awaiting Governor Action
With June 30 fast approaching, Illinois school districts should be aware that the less restrictive interfund transfer authority under Section 17-2A of the School Code is set to expire — and the extension isn’t law yet.
Seventh Circuit and Special Education: C.T. v. Galesburg Community Unit Sch. Dist. No. 205, Considerations for Determining Least Restrictive Environment
Seventh Circuit rules on important considerations for determining least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. Read more here.
Major Student Bills Passed and More to Watch
The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up the spring legislative session on Monday, June 1, 2026. As the legislature’s final actions shook out, several major initiatives passed that will impact students, and there is another to watch for the fall veto session. These are bills that school districts should be aware of.
Posts
May 21, 2026 | General Updates
Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act
Illinois law makers pass the Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act, requiring properties with specific roof dimensions and openings to have protective measures to prevent firefighter injuries during low-visibility conditions. Read more here.
May 20, 2026 | General Updates
Federal Court Dismisses Title VI Discrimination Claims Brought by Students Against Northwestern University
A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois recently dismissed civil rights claims brought against Northwestern University by a group of Jewish students in Jane Doe, et al v. Northwestern University.
May 18, 2026 | General Updates
Illinois Appellate Court Dismisses Claims Against Employer Regarding Confidentiality of Internal Investigation
The Illinois Appellate Court dismissed an employee’s breach of contract claim that her employer violated the employee handbook, which stated complaints would be investigated confidentially, when the employer sent a company-wide email informing that she would be investigated for racial bias, but did not announce that the investigation resulted in no finding of wrongdoing.
May 5, 2026 | K-12 Updates
Two Labor and Employment Bills to Watch
The Illinois legislature is currently considering two bills that would have a significant impact on school districts throughout the State. While neither bill is certain to become law, school districts should closely monitor their status moving forward.
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.
