SB0189 Summary

• Amends the Open Meetings Act to require every public body to designate employees, officers, or members to receive training on Act compliance; designated personnel must complete electronic training within 6 months and annual training thereafter.

• Establishes a Public Access Counselor position within the Office of the Attorney General to resolve disputes involving violations of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act through mediation, informal resolution, or binding opinions.

• Creates binding and advisory opinion procedures allowing the Public Access Counselor to review alleged violations of open meetings and public records laws within 60 days, with administrative review available in Cook or Sangamon County.

• Amends the Freedom of Information Act to establish 5 business days for public body responses to records requests (previously 7 working days), with provisions for extensions and specific requirements for denial notices.

• Requires Freedom of Information officers to complete electronic training within 6 months and annual training thereafter; establishes presumption that all public records are open unless public body proves exemption by clear and convincing evidence.