Open Illinois.org

In a unanimous vote yesterday, the Illinois House approved a new revision of the Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA). The bill passed yesterday was not the watered down draft that lawmakers released last week after a large outcry from open government advocates.

Some provisions of the bill would increase fines on those who violate FOIA requests, but does not make FOIA request refusal a misdemeanor. Increasing the fines on denial of FOIA requests helps to put pressure on government officials to first, release documents when request and second, release documents more quickly. Also, the new bill removed the words ‘personnel file’ which would make it mandatory to report any disciplinary action of an employee once the matter is final. This ensures that the people of Illinois know the manner of business being conducted by state employees as well as highlighting problems that continue to be systemic.

However, the bill does still allow the government not to release any document that is considered a ‘draft’ despite the efforts to get that provision changed. Changing this provision would help to eliminated the stigma that government is keeping secrets.

The bill passed is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction. It adds more transparency requirements and will help to crack down those who deny FOIA requests. All agreed the current FOIA laws need revised and this is a move towards a more transparent Illinois.