Bill > HB2578

This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by modifying the definition of "person" and introducing a new verification process for public records requests. Specifically, the bill allows a public body to request verification that the requester is indeed a "person" within 5 business days of receiving a request if the public body reasonably believes the request may not have been submitted by a person. If the requester is asked to verify their status as a person, the deadline for the public body to respond to the request will be paused until verification is provided. If the requester fails to verify their status within 30 days of the public body's request, the public body may then deny the request. The definition of "person" is also slightly expanded to include individuals acting as agents of corporations, partnerships, firms, organizations, or associations. This change appears to provide public bodies with additional discretion in processing FOIA requests and addressing potential non-genuine or problematic request submissions, while maintaining the overall framework of public access to government records.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2578&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104