Law Alerts
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.
Law Alerts
Recent Amendment Increases Rights of Nursing Mothers
By Robbins Schwartz |
Effective August 21, 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (the “Act”) 820 ILCS 260/10 for the purpose of enhancing the rights of nursing mothers…
New Requirements for Employment Contracts That Contain a Provision for Severance Pay
By Robbins Schwartz |
Effective January 1, 2019, and pursuant to the new Government Severance Pay Act, contracts or employment agreements entered into by units of local government that contain a provision for severance pay…
New Law Exempts Certain Committee Meetings and Bargaining Strategy Sessions from Open Meetings Act Requirements
By Robbins Schwartz |
Effective January 1, 2019, Public Act 100-0768 amends the Illinois School Code to exempt meetings of the RIF Joint Committee and the PERA Joint Committee from the requirements of the Open Meetings…
New Laws Designed to Address Illinois’ Teacher Shortage
By Robbins Schwartz |
In recent weeks, Governor Rauner signed several important pieces of legislation relating to school districts’ recruitment and employment of substitute teachers. Below are a summary of these new laws. 1.…
#MeToo Movement’s Impact on Local Governments: Severance Agreements Related to Sexual Harassment or Discrimination Must be Published
By Robbins Schwartz |
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, on August 23, 2018, Public Act 100-1040 (the “Act”) was signed into law, amending the Local Records Act and establishing a new transparency requirement for…
Appellate Court Affirms That Discipline Records More Than Four Years Old Are Exempt Under FOIA
By Robbins Schwartz |
In Johnson v. Joliet Police Department, 2018 IL App (3d) 170726, the City of Joliet partially denied a FOIA request seeking an employee’s disciplinary history that was more than four years…
Supreme Court Invalidates Fair Share
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Supreme Court issued its decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, et al. on June 27, 2018. The question before the Court was…
Budget Bill to Limit End of Career Salary Increases to Three Percent
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Illinois Senate and House of Representatives have passed a bipartisan budget bill (HB 3342) that Governor Rauner has pledged to sign today on Monday, June 4, 2018. Of particular…
Department of Education Releases Guidance on Photos and Videos as Student Education Records
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education recently issued a guidance document entitled, “FAQs on Photos and Videos under FERPA” (“FAQ”). According to the FAQ, a photo…
Lease-Purchase Agreements for School Districts
By Robbins Schwartz |
Meeting Your School District’s Needs Within a Tight Budget: Don’t Forget About Lease-Purchase and Installment Contracts Expensive personal property acquisitions can challenge even the most disciplined fiscal planners, especially when unanticipated…