Freedom of Information Act expanded to include severance agreementsJanuary 2016Illinois Law Update, Page 18The Freedom of Information Act has been amended to include severance agreements entered into by or on behalf of a public entity as documents subject to public inspection and copying.
Access to public records updated to comply with Freedom of Information ActOctober 2015Illinois Law Update, Page 18The Department of Human Rights repealed "Access to Public Records of the Department of Human Rights," and adopted a new section with the same title in order to reflect changes made to the Freedom of Information Act. 2 Ill. Adm. Code 926 (eff. June 24, 2015).
New freedom of information rules adoptedOctober 2015Illinois Law Update, Page 18The Department of Natural Resources repealed a Part titled 'Freedom of Information' and adopted a new Part with the same title in order to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. 2 Ill. Adm. Code 826 (eff. July 6, 2015).
Defendant obtains dashcam recordings through FOIA requestBy Matthew HectorJune 2015LawPulse, Page 10After police said dashcam videos of a traffic-related marijuana arrest didn't exist, the defendant announced he already had them. How? He got them in response to a FOIA request.
Electronic communications made through city council members’ personal devices during public meetings are subject to FOIAOctober 2013Illinois Law Update, Page 504On July 16, 2013, the Fourth District Appellate Court upheld a binding opinion issued by the Illinois Attorney General that found text messages and emails sent or received from city council members' personal devices during public meetings were public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"). 5 ILCS 140 et seq. (2010).
Changes in the Illinois Educational Relations Board freedom of information provisionsNovember 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 556The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (board) recently changed its rules regarding its Freedom of Information procedures to keep up with changes to the Freedom of Information Act [5 ILCS 140]. 2 Ill Adm Code 2676.
New limits on FOIA “recurrent requesters”By Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2011LawPulse, Page 434New legislation would give governmental entities more time to respond to those who make numerous FOIA requests. A look at that and some Open Meetings Act changes.
Making the most of your FOIA requestBy Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2010LawPulse, Page 558Tips on using the Illinois Freedom of Information Act from a lawyer who has both sought information and served as a municipality's Freedom of Information officer.
Teachers’ retirement system adopts benefit eligibility & FOIA request rulesJune 2010Illinois Law Update, Page 292The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) recently established a test to ensure that former teachers and other members sufficiently separate from employment prior to receiving benefits.
Freedom of Information Act laws enhanced. PA 096-0542April 2010Illinois Law Update, Page 180State lawmakers recently beefed up sunshine laws to help ensure open and transparent government. (For more, see Two Cheers for the New Freedom of Information Act in the February IBJ.)
See comments from our readersApril 2010Column, Page 170Habitability warranty disclaimers; FOIA attorney fees; family law attorney fees
New open government legislationBy Helen W. GunnarssonJuly 2009LawPulse, Page 330A bill awaiting the governor’s signature would make the promise of open records real for more people, supporters say.
Freedom of Information Act amended. PA 095-0941February 2009Illinois Law Update, Page 70Illinois lawmakers amended section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act to exempt certain data elements from the Illinois Health and Hazardous Substances Registry from public inspection and dissemination. 5 ILCS 140/7.
State police to video tape all traffic stops. PA 095-1009February 2009Illinois Law Update, Page 70Illinois lawmakers amended the State Police Act to add section 30, which requires the use of video recording cameras in patrol vehicles. 20 ILCS 2610/30.
Streamlined procedures for handling FOIA requestsMay 2005Illinois Law Update, Page 232The Illinois State Board of Education recently adopted amendments to 2 Ill Adm Code 5001, effective on February 22, 2005.
FOIA requests for public records must be in writingSeptember 2004Illinois Law Update, Page 456The Illinois Department of Public Aid recently adopted amendments to 2 Ill Adm Code 1101 effective on July 1, 2004.
The Lawyer’s JournalBy Bonnie McGrathFebruary 2000Column, Page 62Banks and title insurance; fees for foiled FOIA requests; crafting affirmative action plans; and more.
Day-Care Licensing Records — PA 90-670February 1999Illinois Law Update, Page 73Public Act 90-670 amends the Freedom of Information Act to allow the public access to records including complaints, results of complaints, and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) staff findings of licensing violations at day care facilities.
Access to InformationNovember 1998Illinois Law Update, Page 596On August 24, 1998, the Office of Illinois State Treasurer adopted amendments to sections 651.101, 651.103, and 651.APPENDIX B. 2 Ill Adm Code 651.
