Welcome to www.newfoia.com

School districts and other public bodies should be aware of the significant changes to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which became effective January 1, 2010. Public Act 096-0542, among other revisions, grants oversight powers to the Attorney General regarding both FOIA and the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Each public body should adopt policies and procedures, train staff and otherwise implement the amendments. To assist school districts and other public bodies, we provide below an overview of the changes. If we can be of assistance to you as you update your policies and train your staff, please contact Dawn Spivey Moritz at 312.786.6582, Brian Crowley at 312.786.6560, Jackie Wernz at 312.786.6137, or any other Franczek Radelet attorney.

Sample Documents for Purchase: Franczek Radelet developed a set of key documents to assist school districts and public bodies with the implementation of the new FOIA. Specifically, we offer a package, available for purchase, of a sample FOIA policy, sample FOIA administrative procedures, a FOIA Officer Checklist and an extensive list of nearly 100 FAQs regarding the amended FOIA. To purchase this package and receive your username and password for electronic download of the documents and all updates to the package through January 1, 2011, please complete the online FOIA form.

Franczek Radelet Alerts on Amended FOIA

Franczek Radelet Issues FOIA Request to the Attorney General and Updates FOIA Document Package (07/07/10)
Training Deadline Nears for FOIA Officers & OMA Designees (06/07/10)
Race to the Top Initiatives Protect Principal, Teacher and Superintendent Evaluations from Disclosure Under FOIA (01/02/10)
FOIA Policy and Document Package Available for Purchase (11/20/09)
Governor Quinn Signs Sweeping New FOIA Legislation (08/18/09)
Illinois House and Senate Pass Sweeping New FOIA Legislation (06/02/09)

Other FOIA Resources

Article: An article about FOIA from our January 30, 2010 School Law Conference

Podcast: A podcast providing an overview of the amended FOIA 

Prior FOIA vs. Amended FOIA: Chart providing a side-by-side comparison of the requirements under the prior FOIA and the amended FOIA.  (Click link above or screenshot to the right.)

Amended FOIA: Access the full text of the amended FOIA.

Letter from the Governor examining FOIA legislation.

Advocacy: View a synopsis of the FOIA legislation that we helped prepare with ED-RED, an advocacy organization that monitors educational policy at the Illinois Legislature.

Illinois Attorney General FAQ: View FOIA frequently asked questions and answers from the Attorney General's office.

Illinois Attorney General FOIA Webpage: Access links to FOIA Seminars, Public Access Counselor Guide, and additional information.