Ensuring Open and Honest Government

Illinois Open Meetings Act

“It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business.” (5 ILCS 120/1)

The intent of the Illinois Open Meetings Act is to ensure that public business is conducted in public view by prohibiting secret deliberations and actions on matters that should be discussed in a public forum.

The Act reflects the balance between the rights of the public against the needs of government officials to be able to discuss sensitive matters candidly by excepting particular narrowly-construed circumstances under which a meeting may be held in closed session. The Office of the Attorney General understands that access to meetings helps to ensure the accountability of government to its citizens.

Open Meetings Act links and documents:

Guide to the Open Meetings Act (revised in Fall 2004)
Text of statute
New Legislation
Fact Sheet on Recording of Closed Meetings
Training on Illinois Open Meetings Act