Better Government Ass’n v. City of Chicago Office of Mayor

Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
FOIA
Citation
Case Number: 
2020 IL App (1st) 190038
Decision Date: 
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
Cook Co., 3d Div.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
COBBS

Plaintiff submitted 2 FOIA requests seeking records related to the discovery of lead in the drinking water at Chicago Public Schools. Court order properly directed Defendants to inquire whether relevant records exist in certain of their officials' personal text messages and e-mail accounts. They are public records under FOIA because they pertain to public business and share the requisite connection to a public body. Communications sent and received from public officials' personal accounts may be "public records" subject to FOIA. (McBRIDE and HOWSE, concurring.)