The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is designed to ensure that Illinois residents can obtain information about their government.

Beginning on January 1, 2010, key changes to the Freedom of Information Act are in effect and will provide Illinois residents with a more open and accountable government.

The Office of the Attorney General provides a web site that serves as the definitive resource regarding the Freedom of Information Act in Illinois.

Legislative Intent (excerpted from 5 ILCS 140/1) The Illinois General Assembly, in enacting this legislation, declared that the Freedom of Information Act is not intended to cause an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, nor to allow the requests of a commercial enterprise to unduly burden public resources, or to disrupt the duly undertaken work of any public body independent of the fulfillment of any of the rights of the people to access information.

Neither is the Act intended to create an obligation on the part of any public body to maintain or prepare any public record which was not maintained or prepared by such public body at the time when this Act becomes effective, except as otherwise required by applicable local, State or federal law.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

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