On June 29, 2018, the First District Appellate Court of Illinois held that records related to property valuations are subject to disclosure under Illinois' Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The 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.
The Department of Human Rights repealed "Access to Public Records of the Department of Human Rights," and adopted a new section with the same title in order to reflect changes made to the Freedom of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).
The Department of Natural Resources repealed a Part titled 'Freedom of Information' and adopted a new Part with the same title in order to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and the Illinois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).
After 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.
On 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).
The 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 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.
The 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.
State 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.)
Illinois 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.
Illinois 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.
Public 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.