IL HB4715

Adds new enforcement mechanism allowing requesters to file suit to enforce binding opinions issued by the Attorney General under Section 9.5 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Creates rebuttable presumption of willful and intentional noncompliance by a public body if it fails to comply with a binding opinion within 35 days after service and does not file for administrative review within 35 days.

Allows public bodies to rebut the presumption by showing good faith effort to comply with the binding opinion despite inability to meet the 35-day deadline.

Adds daily civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations continuing after 30 days if court order is not appealed, stayed, or granted additional time to comply, in addition to existing $2,500-$5,000 penalty per occurrence.

Applies changes to actions filed on or after the effective date of this amendatory act of the 99th General Assembly and to binding opinions requested or issued on or after that effective date.