Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA – Open Meetings Act

FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act ( 5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2(c), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body. Records that are not subject to release via the FOIA process include confidential and trade secret information.

A letter should be submitted to the public agency you wish information from and should state that information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act. Provide a brief description of the public records requested, being as specific as possible. Responses to FOIA requests can be provided via e-mail, but also include a mailing address.

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to respond within five working days of receipt of a request. A five-day extension is allowed with written notification to the requester.

If the requested records are 50 pages, or less, in length, the pages will be copied and mailed to the requester. If the records exceed 50 pages, the requester will be informed of the duplication cost.