HB4838 Summary

• Requires units of local government and school districts with $1 million+ operating budgets to maintain internet websites posting 14 categories of information including meeting agendas, financial records, employee compensation, contracts $25,000+, and debt disclosures.

• Mandates posting of regular meeting materials 72 hours before meetings and special/emergency meeting materials 24 hours before; requires meeting minutes posted within 72 hours of approval.

• Allows residents to file mandamus or injunction actions in circuit court to compel compliance, with courts authorized to impose penalties and award attorney fees to prevailing citizens.

• Adds exemption to Freedom of Information Act for electronic copies of records maintained on websites to comply with these posting requirements.

• Establishes that implementation requires no state reimbursement and takes effect immediately; limits home rule unit authority to adopt less restrictive posting requirements.