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, Amy Dickerson at (312) 786-6108, or any other Franczek Radelet attorney.
Sample Documents for Purchase: Franczek Radelet is pleased to announce our development 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 FAQ with more than 65 questions and answers regarding the new FOIA. To purchase this package and receive your username and password for electronic download of the documents, please complete the online FOIA form.
Overview: An e-mail bulletin providing an overview of the amended FOIA.
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.
In the News: Follow the Chicago Tribune’s series on open government.
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.