Ensuring Open and Honest Government

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

“…it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government […] Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.” (5 ILCS 140/1)

Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is intended to open the government to all citizens by guaranteeing access to governmental records in whatever form they are maintained. The Act maintains a clear preference for access to public documents while still protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. The Office of the Attorney General is committed to the free exchange of information and to that end publishes a Guide to the Freedom of Information Act intended to help Illinoisans navigate their way through the Act.

The principal mandate of the Act is found in subsection 3(a), which provides that "[e]ach public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying all public records." The remainder of the Act implements this requirement.

Illinois Freedom of Information Act links and documents:

Frequently Asked Questions

A Complete Guide to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (revised in Fall 2004)

Text of Statute

New Legislation

How can I get a public record from a government agency in Illinois?

Responding to requests under the Freedom of Information Act: A Guide for Government Agencies

Illinois Freedom of Information Act Request Form

Helpful Links:

Freedom of Information Center