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Freedom of Information Act › Open Meetings Act › Public Meetings

The Freedom of Information Act is a United States federal statute enacted in 1966 to promote government transparency and the free exchange of public information. Under FOIA, any individual can request federal... more +
The Freedom of Information Act is a United States federal statute enacted in 1966 to promote government transparency and the free exchange of public information. Under FOIA, any individual can request federal agency records and enforce that right in a court of law. However, not all agency records can be requested; there are nine exempt categories of information. In addition to the federal law, many states have passed their own freedom of information acts. These acts are often similar but not always identical to the federal version.  less -
Franczek P.C.

PAC Issues Binding Decision Finding OMA Violation for Closed Session Discussions on Curriculum

Franczek P.C. on

The Illinois Public Access Counselor (PAC) issued a binding opinion, finding a school board violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA) when it improperly discussed school curriculum during closed session....more

Franczek P.C.

Illinois Appellate Court Issues New Ruling Concerning the OMA and FOIA

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Early this year, the Illinois Appellate Court issued an opinion responding to challenges asserted under the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Appellate Court held that the Village of Oak...more

Clark Hill PLC

Michigan Court of Appeals Examines Provisions of the Open Meetings Act

Clark Hill PLC on

In its recent decision, Hindelang v. City of Grosse Pointe, the Michigan Court of Appeals (“Court”) has offered clarification and some helpful reminders for compliance with the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”). In a case involving...more

Miller Canfield

The Legalities of Social Media

Miller Canfield on

In today's world of technology and communications, communities are increasingly reaching their residents and marketing their services through social media. It has become common for cities, villages, and nearly all forms of...more

Franczek P.C.

PAC Issues Two New Binding Opinions, Clarifying Requirements Under the OMA and FOIA

Franczek P.C. on

The Public Access Counselor (PAC)—the division of the Attorney General that reviews appeals regarding the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA)—recently issued two binding opinions clarifying...more

Franczek P.C.

PAC Rejects Public Body’s Limitation on Criticism of Public Officials Absent Actual Disruption

Franczek P.C. on

In a recent decision, the Public Access Counselor (PAC)—the division of the Attorney General that reviews appeals regarding the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA)—found that a city...more

Franczek P.C.

First Quarter 2021 Illinois FOIA & OMA Update

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PRE-DECISIONAL & DELIBERATIVE PROCESS UPDATES U.S. - SUPREME COURT DECISION - On March 4, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in United States Fish and Wildlife Service v. Sierra Club addressing the “deliberative...more

Pullman & Comley - School Law

Governor Lamont’s Executive Order and the FOIA’s “Open Meetings” Requirements

Pullman & Comley - School Law on

While there are more urgent public health issues to consider, the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused practical concerns regarding how public agencies can comply with Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act...more

Franczek P.C.

The Top Five Takeaways from the Public Access Counselor’s 2019 Binding Opinions

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The Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor was once again busy during 2019, issuing binding decisions of interest to public entities governed by the Illinois Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act....more

Franczek P.C.

Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act Updates

Franczek P.C. on

The flurry of activity surrounding the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) and Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) continues. An Illinois Appellate Court once again reviewed whether grand jury records may be disclosed under...more

Pullman & Comley - School Law

Foliage, Frost, Frozen Ponds and The FOIA: More Interesting Cases From The FOIC (Part One)

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Dropping thermometers did not diminish the heated action occurring before Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Commission [“FOIC”]. It should also go without saying that the accompanying snow, ice and other perils of winter...more

Franczek P.C.

Key Takeaways From Recent FOIA And OMA Decisions

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The Illinois courts and the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) issued a flurry of decisions in May and June relating to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) and the Illinois Open Meetings Act...more

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