The Public Access Counselor for the Illinois Attorney General’s (“PAC”) August 21, 2026, binding opinion (Public Access Counselor Opinion 26-009) found detailed maps and GIS data were properly withheld under the exemption contained in Section 7(1)(x) of the Freedom of
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Electioneering and Campaign Signs: Coming Soon to a Parkway Near You!
Believe it or not, the election process for April has started, so a brief reminder regarding legal restrictions on political signage is appropriate: Electioneering outside the 100-foot campaign-free zone is permitted. “Electioneering” is conduct that urges a vote for or…
Mental Health Within Reach: How Tammurra’s Act is Expanding Access to Suicide Prevention Resources
Governor Pritzker recently signed Public Act 104-0808 (“Tammurra’s Act”) into law in an effort to make suicide hotline information more easily accessible to those who visit or receive services at various facilities across the state. The law will go into…
Open Meetings Act Reminder: Agenda Must Clearly Identify Final Action
The Public Access Counselor for the Illinois Attorney General’s (“PAC”) July 20, 2026, binding opinion (Public Access opinion 26-007) found public bodies cannot take final action on a matter unless the agenda for an open meeting identifies the general subject…
You Used to Call Me on My Cell Phone (Before the Ban)
On July 28, 2026, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 104-0657, which bans wireless communication devices in public schools. The legislation requires school districts to implement a policy that bans the use of wireless communication devices during school time by the…
Airshows: The Most Regulated Spectator Sport in America
Summer is airshow season. Across the United States, spectators flock to events ranging from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo to military open houses, warbird exhibitions, and regional aviation festivals. For those looking to find an event…
Petition Circulation for the 2027 Election Begins Soon!
The first day to circulate petitions for candidates seeking election in the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election is August 25, 2026. The candidate circulation date applies to offices that do not require a primary. Candidates can take advantage by getting…
Nothing is Certain but Debt and Taxes: Supreme Court Finds that Tax Auctions Generate Sufficient Compensation for Homeowners
In May 2023, the Supreme Court decided Tyler v. Hennepin County, 598 U.S. 631 (2023). Tyler involved a challenge to the Minnesota property tax collection program. In Minnesota, if a homeowner fell behind on their property taxes, the County was…
Save the Date: 2025 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference
Tressler attorneys John M. O’Driscoll, Andrew S. Paine, James J.Hess, Darcy L. Proctor, Elizabeth F. Wagman, Kathleen M. Gibbons, Caitlin A. Frenzer, Drew O’Donnell and Michael Vargas have been selected to present at the …
When an Unstoppable Force – Transparency – Meets an Immovable Object – Student Privacy
In Better Government Ass’n v. City Colleges of Chicago, 2024 IL App (1st) 221414, the First District Appellate Court navigated the intersection of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 to 11.6 (West 2018)) (“FOIA”) and the…