So Ive read through the rules but havent yet had a chance to play. (We're finishing up a 3.5 campaign) As I read the rules, its now OK to cast spells while within melee reach of an opponent without generating an attack of opportunity. Is this correct?
The only thing that triggers an attack of opportunity is leaving a creature's reach without taking the disengage action. Ranged attacks, including spells, which require a hit roll are at disadvantage when there is an adjacent enemy.