Bill > SB1357

This bill amends the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to prevent elected local government officials from abusing public records request processes by using aliases or false identities to intentionally create excessive financial burdens for their local government. The bill defines "unreasonable or excessive costs" as expenses related to fulfilling a public records request that collectively exceed $100,000, including copying fees, labor costs, legal fees, and other processing expenses. If an elected official is found to have submitted a request or series of requests using an alias with the intent to cause significant financial strain, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that if an alias is discovered, the request was made to intentionally incur excessive costs. Additionally, the bill authorizes local governments to seek reimbursement from officials who violate these provisions and allows the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against individuals suspected of such misconduct. The primary goal is to prevent deliberate misuse of the public records request system by elected officials seeking to disrupt or financially burden local government operations.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1357&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104