Monthly Archives: September 2016

The Local Government Travel Expenses Control Act

On July 22, 2016, Governor Rauner signed the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act (the “Act”), which was previously known as House Bill 4379. Beginning January 1, 2017, school board members will be subject to new requirements regarding travel expenses. The Act applies to school districts, community college districts, and all other units of local [...]

By | September 28th, 2016|Education Law News|

Illinois Supreme Court Hears Argument on Tenured Teacher Dismissals for Cause After PERA and Senate Bill 7

Tenured teachers in Illinois generally face dismissal for one of three reasons: (i) reductions-in-force, or “RIFs”; (ii) poor evaluation ratings; or (iii) dismissal for cause resulting from misconduct. In 2011, the Illinois legislature changed the School Code through two key pieces of legislation, the “Public Education Reform Act” or “PERA,” and “Senate Bill 7.” While [...]

By | September 21st, 2016|Litigation Law News|

Zoning: Illinois Legislation Confirms School Districts are Subject to Zoning Laws but Requires Municipalities to Streamline the Process

In August, Governor Rauner approved Senate Bill 2186, which reiterates that school districts are subject to, and school boards must comply with, local government zoning ordinances. Senate Bill 2186 states that school districts “must comply with any valid local government zoning ordinance or resolution that applies where the pertinent part of the building, structure, or [...]

By | September 16th, 2016|Litigation Law News|

Wind Turbine Assessment Legislation Extended

Senate Bill 2612 amends Division 18 of the Illinois Property Tax Code (“Division 18”) relating to the assessment of wind energy devices. Senate Bill 2612 was introduced in the Senate in February 2016. It was sponsored by Senator David Koehler and Senator Pamela Althoff. It passed both houses on May 26, 2016 and was signed [...]

By | September 1st, 2016|Property Tax Law News|