FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT UPDATE

Public bodies, including school districts, should be aware of amendments to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), effective January 1, 2010. The amendments significantly alter the procedures employed by a public body in responding to FOIA requests, and make numerous changes to the exemptions to FOIA.

To assist public bodies in implementing the amended FOIA, Scariano, Himes and Petrarca, Chtd., has created several summary documents:

e-Blackboard dated May 29, 2009, providing overview of the amended FOIA;

e-Blackboard dated December 18, 2009, announcing Scariano, Himes and Petrarca, FOIA Guidance;

Fall 2009 School Law News Newsletter, providing overview of the amended FOIA

Comparison Chart of old FOIA and amended FOIA (coming soon!).

Should you wish to review additional information on the amended FOIA, please see:

Public Act 96-0542, the full text of the amended FOIA

Illinois Attorney General Documents, frequently asked Q & A from the Attorney General’s Office.

All documents are created as summaries of the changes to the Act and offer general advice. Please contact us with specific questions regarding the amended FOIA.

Scariano, Himes and Petrarca, Chtd., has also created a new FOIA policy, administrative procedures and sample forms, and has compiled Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, offering further guidance on FOIA. For copies of these documents, please contact Darcee C. Williams (ext. 247) or Jessica M. Bargnes (ext. 254).