HB3796 Summary

• Amends Illinois Freedom of Information Act to define "voluminous requests" as those exceeding 5 different record categories within 20 business days or requiring compilation of more than 500 pages, with exemptions for news media and nonprofit/academic organizations.

• Establishes new procedures for voluminous requests allowing public bodies to notify requesters within 5 business days and provide 10 business days to amend requests before charging fees estimated under Section 6.

• Creates Section 8.5 permitting public bodies to direct requesters to records already published on their websites rather than providing copies, with requester ability to resubmit if unable to reasonably access online.

• Adds fee provisions allowing public bodies to charge up to $20-$100 for electronic voluminous requests depending on data size and format (PDF vs. non-PDF), with requirement to provide accounting of all fees and costs.

• Allows Public Access Counselor review of voluminous request determinations and protects news media and nonprofit organizations from voluminous request classification when principal purpose involves news dissemination or academic/scientific research.