IL bill #SB1796 • Last Action 05/31/2026

BODY CAMERAS-FOIA REQUESTS

Status: Crossed Over

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to establish new rules for fees charged for requests of recordings made by law enforcement body cameras, while also removing previous changes made to laws concerning body cameras and the criminal code. Specifically, public bodies can now charge up to $40 per hour for the time spent searching for, retrieving, or redacting these recordings, unless the request is made by a court, the subject of the encounter or their representative, a witness to a flagged encounter or their representative, news media, or a nonprofit, scientific, or academic organization for specific public interest purposes like research or disseminating news. Public bodies must respond to these requests within 5 business days with an estimated cost and time, and have an additional 5 business days after payment of the estimated fee to provide the recordings, with the possibility of further extensions. If the requester fails to pay the estimated fee within 30 days, the request can be denied. Public bodies imposing these fees must provide an accounting of costs and reconcile any differences between the estimated and actual costs, offering refunds or requiring additional payment as needed. Fee waivers are also available if the requester can show the purpose is to disseminate information that benefits the community's health, safety, welfare, or legal rights.

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Bill Summary: Deletes changes to the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act and the Criminal Code of 2012. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body may charge fees reflecting its actual costs up to $40 for each hour spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requested recording or examining the record for or applying necessary redactions on requests for recordings that are made pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act, unless the request is made by: (1) a court order; (2) the subject of the encounter or the subject's legal representative; (3) a witness to the encounter or the witness's representative, if the encounter resulted in the recording being flagged; (4) a representative of the news media, as defined in the Act; or (5) a nonprofit, scientific, or academic organization when the principal purpose of the request is (i) to access and disseminate information concerning news and current or passing events, (ii) for articles of opinion or features of interest to the public, or (iii) for the purpose of academic, scientific, or public research or education. Provides that a public body shall respond to requests for recordings within 5 business days after the receipt of the request with an estimated time that will be required for the public body to provide the recordings requested and an estimate of the fees to be charged. Further provides that the public body shall have an additional 5 business days to respond to a request once payment of the estimated fee is made, as well as any extensions allowed under any other applicable provisions of the Act. Specifies that if the requester fails to pay the required estimated fees within 30 days after the public body requests payment of the estimated fee, then the public body may deny the request. Requires a public body that imposes a fee under the provisions of the amendatory Act must provide the requester with an accounting of all fees, costs, and personnel hours in connection with the request for public records and must apply a new balance or refund based on the actual cost versus the paid estimate. Authorizes a waiver of fees under the amendatory Act if the requester can demonstrate that the purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information in order to further the interest of the health, safety, and welfare or the legal rights of the community.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 13 : Julie Morrison (D)*, Justin Slaughter (D)*, Patrick Sheehan (R)*, Dave Koehler (D), Linda Holmes (D), Adriane Johnson (D), Mary Edly-Allen (D), Mike Halpin (D), Jason Plummer (R), Laura Ellman (D), Mattie Hunter (D), Dan Didech (D), Sharon Chung (D)
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 63
• Last Amended: 05/21/2026
• Last Action: Third Reading/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) June 2, 2026

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3494 • Last Action 05/30/2026

HEALTH DATA PRIVACY ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes comprehensive protections for individual health data privacy in Illinois, requiring regulated entities to be transparent about their data collection, use, and sharing practices. The bill mandates that companies must obtain explicit, informed consent from individuals before collecting, processing, or selling their health data, and provides individuals with rights to confirm what data is being collected, request deletion of their data, and withdraw consent at any time. Companies are prohibited from using discriminatory practices against individuals who choose not to provide consent, and they must create clear, plain-language privacy policies that detail exactly how health data will be used. The bill also restricts geofencing around health service providers, limits government access to health data, and provides individuals with a private right of action to sue for violations, with potential damages ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, depending on whether the breach was negligent or intentional. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce the law, and the bill includes numerous exceptions and protections to ensure it does not conflict with existing healthcare privacy laws like HIPAA.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Protect Health Data Privacy Act. Provides that a regulated entity shall disclose and maintain a health data privacy policy that clearly and conspicuously discloses specified information. Sets forth provisions concerning health data privacy policies. Provides that a regulated entity shall not collect, share, or store health data, except in specified circumstances. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to sell or offer to sell health data concerning an individual without first obtaining valid authorization from the individual. Provides that a valid authorization to sell individual health data must contain specified information; a copy of the signed valid authorization must be provided to the individual; and the seller and purchaser of health data must retain a copy of all valid authorizations for sale of health data for 6 years after the date of its signature or the date when it was last in effect, whichever is later. Sets forth provisions concerning the consent required for collection, sharing, and storage of health data. Provides that an individual has the right to withdraw consent from the processing of the individual's health data. Provides that it is unlawful for a regulated entity to engage in discriminatory practices against individuals solely because they have not provided consent to the processing of their health data or have exercised any other rights provided by the provisions or guaranteed by law. Sets forth provisions concerning an individual's right to confirm whether a regulated entity is collecting, selling, sharing, or storing any of the individual's health data; an individual's right to have the individual's health data that is collected by a regulated entity deleted; prohibitions regarding geofencing; and individual health data security. Provides that any person aggrieved by a violation of the provisions shall have a right of action in a State circuit court or as a supplemental claim in federal district court against an offending party. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce a violation of the provisions as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Defines terms. Makes a conforming change in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 36 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*, Ann Williams (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Barbara Hernandez (D), Camille Lilly (D), Kam Buckner (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Maura Hirschauer (D), Will Guzzardi (D), Theresa Mah (D), Janet Yang Rohr (D), Margaret Croke (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Dee Avelar (D), Kevin Olickal (D), Anna Moeller (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Katie Stuart (D), Marcus Evans (D), Rita Mayfield (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D), Robyn Gabel (D), Aarón Ortíz (D), Lisa Davis (D), Michael Crawford (D), Justin Cochran (D), Justin Slaughter (D), Norma Hernandez (D), Jay Hoffman (D), Lisa Hernandez (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Dan Didech (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 54
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Didech

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB0340 • Last Action 05/30/2026

CIVIL LAW-TECH

Status: Crossed Over

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle the personal data of Illinois residents, taking effect on January 1, 2027. It applies to companies that do business in Illinois or target Illinois residents and meet certain thresholds, such as collecting personal data from 100,000 or more consumers annually or deriving a significant portion of revenue from selling personal data and collecting data from 25,000 or more consumers. The Act grants consumers several rights, including the right to know if their data is being processed, to access and correct their data, to delete their data, and to opt out of the sale of their personal data or its use for targeted advertising or profiling. It also outlines responsibilities for "data controllers" (those who determine the purposes and means of data processing) and "data processors" (those who process data on behalf of controllers), requiring them to implement security measures and adhere to contractual agreements. The bill exempts certain entities and types of data, such as protected health information and data handled by financial institutions under federal law, and amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make violations of this Act unlawful. Additionally, it makes data privacy and protection assessments made available to the Attorney General exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act. Specifies that the Act applies to legal entities that conduct business in Illinois or produce products or services that are targeted to Illinois residents and that either (i) collect or process, during a calendar year, personal data of 100,000 or more consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction, or (ii) derive more than 25% of their gross revenues from the sale of personal data and process or collect personal data of 25,000 or more consumers. Describes classes of persons that are exempt from the Act. Outlines the responsibilities of data controllers and data processors. Sets forth various consumer personal data rights, including, but not limited to (i) the right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing personal data concerning the consumer and to access the personal data the controller is processing, (ii) the right to correct inaccurate personal data concerning the consumer, (iii) the right to delete personal data concerning the consumer, (iv) the right to opt out of the processing of personal data concerning the consumer for specified purposes, or (v) the right, under certain circumstances, to question the result of profiling. Requires a controller to allow a consumer to opt out of any processing of the consumer's personal data for enumerated purposes. Contains provisions concerning the processing of deidentified data or pseudonymous data, responsibilities of controllers, requirements for small businesses, data privacy policies, data privacy and protection assessments, enforcement of the Act by the Attorney General and State's attorneys, and other matters. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Specifies that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from disclosure data privacy and protection assessments made available to the Attorney General and State's Attorneys under the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 05/22/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 14 : Laura Murphy (D)*, Abdelnasser Rashid (D)*, Sue Rezin (R), Rachel Ventura (D), Mike Porfirio (D), Javier Cervantes (D), Laura Fine (D), Mattie Hunter (D), Mike Simmons (D), Meg Loughran Cappel (D), Mark Walker (D), Don DeWitte (R), Sally Turner (R), Mary Edly-Allen (D)
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 69
• Last Amended: 05/21/2026
• Last Action: Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2171 • Last Action 05/22/2026

FOIA-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "commercial purpose" in the context of public record requests. Specifically, it clarifies that a commercial purpose includes not only selling or reselling public records, but also any use that advances the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made. The bill maintains an important exception for news media, non-profit, scientific, and academic organizations, which will not have their requests considered commercial if the principal purpose is to disseminate news, create opinion pieces, or conduct research and education. This modification aims to provide more precise guidance on what constitutes a commercial purpose when requesting public records, potentially helping public bodies better understand and respond to information requests while protecting the interests of organizations seeking information for public benefit.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, as used in the Act, the term "commercial purpose" means, among other things, the use of any part of a public record or records, or information derived from public records, in any form for any use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D)*, Linda Holmes (D), Seth Lewis (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 20
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2170 • Last Action 05/22/2026

FOIA-RECURRENT REQUESTERS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify the definition and treatment of "recurrent requesters" by reducing the number of record requests that qualify a person as a recurrent requester. Specifically, the bill lowers the thresholds from 50 to 40 total requests in 12 months, from 15 to 10 requests within a 30-day period, and from 7 to 5 requests within a 7-day period. The bill also extends the response time for public bodies from 21 to 30 business days when handling requests from recurrent requesters. Additionally, the bill specifies that notice of recurrent requester status must be provided only once every 30 days, and it introduces a new provision making it a violation of the Act for designated recurrent requesters to knowingly obtain public records without disclosing their status. The changes aim to balance the public's right to access information with the administrative burden on public bodies, while maintaining exceptions for news media, non-profit, scientific, and academic organizations whose requests are made for informational, educational, or research purposes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Reduces the number of record requests that must be made for a person to be considered a recurrent requester under the Act. Provides that public bodies must respond to requests from recurrent requesters with 30 (rather than 21) days after receipt of a request. Specifies that notice that requests are being treated as recurrent requests must be provided only once every 30 days. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for persons designated as recurrent requesters to knowingly obtain a public record without disclosing their status as recurrent requesters.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D)*, Linda Holmes (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2875 • Last Action 05/22/2026

CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle the personal data of Illinois residents. It applies to companies that do business in Illinois or offer products/services to Illinois residents and meet certain thresholds, such as processing the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers annually or deriving over 25% of their gross revenue from selling personal data while processing data for 25,000 or more consumers. "Personal data" is defined as any information linked to an identifiable person, excluding de-identified or publicly available information. The Act requires companies (called "controllers") to protect consumer data security and notify individuals of any data breaches. Consumers are granted rights to access, correct, and delete their personal data, obtain a list of third parties their data has been shared with, and to opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of their data, or profiling that leads to significant decisions about them. An appeal process is created for consumers to challenge a company's decisions regarding their data rights. The bill exempts government entities, federally recognized tribes, certain non-profits, and data already covered by federal laws, and it will be enforced by the Attorney General.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act. Applies to legal entities that conduct business in Illinois or produce products or services that are targeted to Illinois residents and that satisfy one or more of the following thresholds: during a calendar year, controls or processes personal data of 100,000 consumers or more, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction; or derives over 25% of gross revenue from the sale of personal data and processes or controls personal data of 25,000 consumers or more. "Personal data" means any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable natural person but does not include deidentified data or publicly available information. Requires a controller who, alone or jointly with others, to consider the purposes and means of the processing of personal data in protecting the security of consumers while processing personal data and in notifying consumers of a breach of the security of the system. Authorizes rights to consumers under the Act to include, but not be limited to, the right to access their personal data, obtain a list of third parties to whom their data has been disclosed, request corrections to inaccurate data, and question the profiling of their information. Creates an appeal process for a consumer to gather more information on the actions of a covered entity. Exempts the State, a political subdivision of the State, and units of local government, a federally recognized Indian tribe, nonprofits established to prevent insurance fraud, and data already covered by federal law. Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the Act. Makes definitions. Makes other changes. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Contains a severability provision.

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• Introduced: 01/16/2026
• Added: 01/17/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Laura Murphy (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 01/16/2026
• Last Action: Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2897 • Last Action 05/22/2026

INFO PROTECTION-IMMIGRATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Personal Information Protection Act to prohibit data collectors, which are entities that handle personal information, from owning, maintaining, licensing, storing, or disclosing records containing "immigration or citizenship status information" about Illinois residents. This new category of protected information is defined to include details about an individual's U.S. citizenship or the citizenship of any other country, as well as their legal right to reside in or be present in the United States, and also encompasses their nationality and country of origin. Importantly, this prohibition does not apply to government agencies, public and private universities, or financial institutions, which are common collectors of such sensitive data. The bill also clarifies that "personal information" now explicitly includes this immigration or citizenship status information, strengthening its protection under the Act.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Personal Information Protection Act. Provides that a data collector shall not own, maintain, license, store, or disclose records that contain immigration or citizenship status information concerning an Illinois resident. Provides that the provision shall not apply to government agencies, public and private universities, or financial institutions. Provides that the definition of "personal information" includes immigration or citizenship status information. Defines "immigration or citizenship status information".

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• Introduced: 01/27/2026
• Added: 01/27/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Celina Villanueva (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 01/27/2026
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB3890 • Last Action 05/22/2026

CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Illinois Data Privacy Protection Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle the personal data of Illinois residents, aiming to give consumers more control over their information. It applies to companies that do business in Illinois or target Illinois residents and meet certain thresholds, such as processing the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers annually or deriving a significant portion of their revenue from selling personal data. The Act grants consumers rights including the ability to access, correct, and delete their personal data, as well as to opt out of its sale or use for targeted advertising and profiling. It also requires companies to be transparent about their data collection practices and to implement reasonable security measures. The bill further mandates that data brokers, defined as businesses that collect and sell personal information without a direct relationship with the consumer, must register annually with the Attorney General, who will maintain a public website with this information and a mechanism for consumers to request the deletion of their data across all registered brokers. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce the Act, with violations potentially leading to civil penalties, and a new Data Privacy Protection Fund is created to support these enforcement efforts. The bill also includes provisions for data privacy and protection assessments for certain processing activities and limits the ability of local governments to regulate consumer data privacy.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Data Privacy Protection Act. Applies to legal entities that conduct business in Illinois or produce products or services that are targeted to Illinois residents and that satisfy one or more of the following thresholds: during a calendar year, controls or processes personal data of 100,000 consumers or more, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction; or derives over 25% of gross revenue from the sale of personal data and processes or controls personal data of 25,000 consumers or more. Requires a controller, alone or jointly with others, to consider the purposes and means of the processing of personal data in protecting the security of consumers while processing personal data and in notifying consumers of a breach of the security of the system. Authorizes rights to consumers under the Act to include, but not be limited to, the right to access their personal data, obtain a list of third parties to whom their data has been disclosed, request corrections to inaccurate data, and question the profiling of their information. Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the Act. Amends the Personal Information Protection Act. Provides that, annually, on or before January 31, a data broker operating in the State must register with the Attorney General. Provides that the Attorney General shall create a page on its Internet website in which the registration information is accessible to the public that allows consumers to delete their personal information across all registered data brokers. Provides for civil penalties. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Data Privacy Protection Fund. Makes definitions. Makes other changes. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Contains a severability provision.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2026
• Added: 02/10/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Rachel Ventura (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 02/06/2026
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1719 • Last Action 05/22/2026

LOC GOV-ELECTRONIC RECORDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Local Records Act by adding a new section that provides flexibility for local government units in how they store public records. Specifically, the bill allows local government entities to satisfy existing record storage requirements by maintaining public records in electronic format. This change modernizes record-keeping practices by explicitly permitting digital storage methods, which can potentially reduce physical storage costs, improve document accessibility, and streamline records management for local government agencies. While the provided XML does not show the exact language of the new section, the bill's purpose is to update the existing law to accommodate electronic record-keeping practices that are increasingly common in government operations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Local Records Act. Provides that a unit of local government required to store public records under the Act may satisfy the requirements of the Act by storing the public records in an electronic form.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 06/04/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 31 : Li Arellano (R)*, Chris Balkema (R), Dave Koehler (D), Sue Rezin (R), Graciela Guzmán (D), Neil Anderson (R), Celina Villanueva (D), Javier Cervantes (D), Adriane Johnson (D), Rob Martwick (D), Seth Lewis (R), Chapin Rose (R), Mike Porfirio (D), John Curran (R), Craig Wilcox (R), Jil Tracy (R), Dave Syverson (R), Patrick Joyce (D), Erica Harriss (R), Don DeWitte (R), Mike Simmons (D), Ram Villivalam (D), Steve Stadelman (D), Terri Bryant (R), Darby Hills (R), Andrew Chesney (R), Steve McClure (R), Mark Walker (D), Paul Faraci (D), Jason Plummer (R), Dale Fowler (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 53
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB3548 • Last Action 05/22/2026

CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, the Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rights for Illinois residents regarding their personal data, allowing them to confirm if their data is being processed, correct inaccuracies, delete their data, obtain a copy of previously provided data, and opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of their data, or profiling that leads to significant decisions about them. The Act applies to businesses that operate in Illinois or offer products/services to Illinois residents and process personal data of at least 100,000 consumers annually, or 25,000 consumers if over 50% of their gross revenue comes from selling personal data. It outlines responsibilities for businesses that control and process consumer data, with certain exemptions for entities like government bodies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, non-profits, and educational institutions. The Attorney General will have exclusive authority to enforce these rights, and any civil penalties collected will go into a new Consumer Privacy Fund administered by their office. Additionally, the bill amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt "data protection impact assessments" conducted under this new Act from public disclosure.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Consumer Data Privacy Act. Establishes certain consumer rights relating to personal data, including the rights to confirm whether data is being processed, to correct any inaccuracies in the consumer's personal data, to delete personal data provided by the consumer, to obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data that was previously provided, and to opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of data, or profiling of the consumer. Defines terms. Applies to persons who conduct business in Illinois or produce products or services that are targeted to Illinois residents and that during the a calendar year control or process person data of at least 100,000 consumers or 25,0000 consumers and derives over 50% of gross revenue from the sale of personal data. Makes requirements for persons or entities that control and process consumer data and also exempts certain persons or entities from the statutory provisions of the Act. Provides that the Attorney General has exclusive authority to enforce the consumer data privacy rights. Creates the Consumer Privacy Fund to be administered by the Office of the Attorney General. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure data protection impact assessments done under the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/11/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Sue Rezin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 02/06/2026
• Last Action: Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB3220 • Last Action 05/22/2026

CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes consumer rights regarding their personal data, including the right to confirm data processing, correct inaccuracies, delete data, obtain a copy of previously provided data, and opt out of targeted advertising, data sales, or profiling. It applies to businesses operating in Illinois or targeting Illinois residents that process personal data of at least 100,000 consumers or 25,000 consumers who also derive over 50% of their gross revenue from selling personal data, and it outlines responsibilities for entities controlling and processing this data. The Attorney General will have exclusive authority to enforce these provisions, with collected penalties funding a Consumer Privacy Fund administered by their office. Additionally, the bill amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt data protection impact assessments, which are required for certain high-risk data processing activities, from public disclosure.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act. Establishes certain consumer rights relating to personal data, including the rights to confirm whether data is being processed, to correct any inaccuracies in the consumer's personal data, to delete personal data provided by the consumer, to obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data that was previously provided, and to opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of data, or profiling of the consumer. Defines terms. Applies to persons who conduct business in Illinois or produce products or services that are targeted to Illinois residents and that during a calendar year control or process personal data of at least 100,000 consumers or 25,0000 consumers and derive over 50% of gross revenue from the sale of personal data. Creates requirements for persons or entities that control and process consumer data. Exempts certain persons or entities from the provisions of the Act. Provides that the Attorney General has exclusive authority to enforce the consumer data privacy rights. Creates the Consumer Privacy Fund to be administered by the Office of the Attorney General. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure data protection impact assessments created under the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

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• Introduced: 02/02/2026
• Added: 02/10/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Sue Rezin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 02/02/2026
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1665 • Last Action 05/22/2026

FOIA-PRELIMINARY DRAFT-STUDY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify exemptions related to draft documents and studies. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that allows for the exemption of studies, drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records containing opinions or policy formulations. However, this exemption is not absolute: if a draft record has remained in draft form for more than 12 months and was funded by public dollars from a local government unit, it can no longer be kept confidential. This change aims to increase transparency by preventing government entities from indefinitely keeping draft documents secret, while still protecting preliminary work products during the active development stage. The modification is part of Illinois' ongoing efforts to balance government transparency with the need for agencies to develop and refine policy recommendations without premature public scrutiny.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure any studies, drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated, except that a specific record or relevant portion of a record is not exempt if the record has remained in draft form for more than a 12-month period and public dollars were spent by a unit of local government to conduct such a study.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Rob Martwick (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5778 • Last Action 05/19/2026

FOIA-STUDENT COMMS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exempt certain written communications and their attachments from public disclosure. Specifically, it exempts communications pertaining to a current or former student that were exchanged between an educational institution and the student, or between an educational institution and the student's parent or guardian. This exemption does not apply if the requester has a right to access the records under the Illinois School Student Records Act or the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which are laws designed to protect student privacy and educational records.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from inspection and copying under the Act written communication and attachments that pertain to a current or former student and that were sent between an educational institution and the student or between an educational institution and the student's parent or guardian, except if the Illinois School Student Records Act or the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act applies.

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• Introduced: 05/15/2026
• Added: 05/16/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Cochran (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 3
• Last Amended: 05/15/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1826 • Last Action 04/16/2026

FOIA-JUDICIAL EXEMPTIONS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include significant provisions related to judicial records and public access. It expands the definition of "public body" to explicitly include the judicial body and its components, and provides a more detailed definition of "public records" specifically for judicial entities. The bill creates new exemptions for judicial records, protecting certain types of documents from public inspection, such as records pertaining to the preparation of judicial opinions, orders, or judicial work product, as well as records that are privileged or confidential under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct or the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. Additionally, the bill restricts a person's ability to file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor when their request to inspect or copy a public record from a judicial body has been denied, effectively limiting the typical administrative review process for judicial records. These changes aim to provide greater protection for sensitive judicial documents while maintaining the overall transparency goals of the Freedom of Information Act.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Includes the judicial body and its components in the definition of "public body". Defines "public records" when that term is associated with the judicial body and its components. Exempts from inspection and copying (i) records of the judicial body and its components that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders or judicial work product and (ii) records that are privileged or confidential under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct or the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. Provides that a person whose request to inspect or copy a public record was denied or treated as a voluminous request by the judicial body and its components may not file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 8 : Mike Porfirio (D)*, Lakesia Collins (D), Graciela Guzmán (D), Mary Edly-Allen (D), Rachel Ventura (D), Rob Martwick (D), Karina Villa (D), Napoleon Harris (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris, III

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4597 • Last Action 04/02/2026

FOIA-POLICE BODY CAM RECORDING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to allow public bodies to charge requesters for the actual, necessary, and direct costs associated with redacting (obscuring sensitive information, often through pixelization) audio or video recordings made by law enforcement officers wearing body cameras, as required by the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. However, this fee cannot be charged under specific circumstances, such as when the requester is an individual not seeking financial gain and has made limited requests, is directly involved in the events depicted, is an attorney representing someone involved, is the parent or guardian of a minor depicted, or when the recording shows an officer-involved shooting. Additionally, public bodies must provide requesters with a written estimate of the redaction fee before fulfilling the request, and if a false certification is provided to avoid fees, the individual could face a $10,000 fine.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body may impose a fee upon a requester for the actual, necessary, and direct cost of redacting recorded audio or video content recordings made under the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that the public body may not impose the fee under specified circumstances. Requires the public body to provide the requester, in writing, with an estimate of the amount of the fee to be charged before before fulfilling the request.

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• Introduced: 01/26/2026
• Added: 01/27/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Sharon Chung (D)*, Laura Faver Dias (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/26/2026
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3041 • Last Action 03/27/2026

DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Illinois Data Privacy and Protection Act, which establishes comprehensive regulations for how businesses collect, process, and transfer personal data. The bill requires covered entities (businesses that determine the purposes of data collection) to collect only data that is reasonably necessary and proportionate, obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or transferring their sensitive data, and provide clear privacy policies. Key provisions include giving individuals the right to access, correct, delete, and export their personal data, with special protections for minors and sensitive information like biometric data, precise location information, and financial details. The bill mandates that businesses implement robust data security practices, prohibits discrimination in data usage, and restricts targeted advertising to minors. Large data holders must designate privacy officers, conduct regular privacy impact assessments, and have executive officers certify compliance annually. Enforcement mechanisms include the ability for the Attorney General, State's Attorneys, or municipalities to bring civil actions against violators, as well as allowing individuals to sue for damages. Small businesses are given some exemptions to reduce compliance burdens, and the Attorney General is empowered to create rules and adjust thresholds to keep the law current with technological changes. The act will become effective 180 days after becoming law.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Data Privacy and Protection Act. Provides that a covered entity (any entity or any person, other than an individual acting in a non-commercial context, that alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of collecting, processing, or transferring covered data) may not collect, process, or transfer covered data unless the collection, processing, or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate. Provides that a covered entity and a service provider shall establish, implement, and maintain reasonable policies, practices, and procedures concerning the collection, processing, and transferring of covered data. Contains provisions concerning retaliation; transparency; individual data rights; consent; data protection for children and minors; civil rights; data security; small business protections; executive responsibility; service providers and third parties; enforcement; severability; and rulemaking. Effective 180 days after becoming law.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Abdelnasser Rashid (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5332 • Last Action 03/27/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY-BENEFITS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (PSEBA) to clarify eligibility for benefits for surviving spouses and to redefine when certain benefits are triggered. Specifically, it mandates that health coverage and educational benefits are only provided if a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or correctional officer is killed in the line of duty, as defined by the Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act, rather than under broader circumstances previously outlined. Additionally, a significant change is that a surviving spouse will no longer be required to provide a notarized affidavit or other notarized proof that they have not remarried to receive benefits guaranteed under the Act. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that required health coverage benefits and education benefits are contingent on the law enforcement officer being killed in the line of duty. Provides that a surviving spouse shall not be required to submit a notarized affidavit or other notarized documentation attesting that the surviving spouse has not been remarried as a condition of eligibility for any benefit, payment, or right guaranteed under the Act. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/11/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4681 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-MASS REQ & VEXATIOUS REQ

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to introduce new definitions and procedures for handling requests for public records, particularly those from frequent or problematic requesters. It clarifies the definition of "commercial purpose" to include using public records for sale, resale, or to provide services to a specific customer, while exempting news media and non-profit, academic, or scientific organizations when their primary purpose is public interest or research. The bill defines "business day" or "working day" as Monday through Friday, excluding weekends, state holidays, and for educational institutions, winter and spring breaks and the day after Thanksgiving. It introduces the term "mass requester" for individuals or groups submitting similar requests to seven or more public bodies, requiring such requesters to receive a response within 21 business days, including an estimate of time and fees, or a denial, and prohibits knowingly obtaining records as a mass requester without disclosing that status if asked. The bill also defines "vexatious requester" based on a history of numerous or burdensome requests, allowing public bodies to petition the Public Access Counselor for relief, which could include an order to disregard current and future requests from that individual for up to a year. Furthermore, it requires individuals denied access to public records to first notify the public body of their intent to sue and offer an opportunity for an oral conference to resolve the issue within 10 business days before filing a lawsuit. Finally, the bill mandates that courts award attorney's fees and costs to a public body if it prevails in a lawsuit against a commercial purpose requester, a recurrent requester, a mass requester, or a vexatious requester.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Changes the definition of "commercial purpose". Defines "business day" or "working day", as well as "mass requester" and "vexatious requester". Requires a public body to respond to a request for records submitted by a mass requester within 21 days after receipt. Sets forth procedures and requirements regarding mass requesters. Provides that it is a violation of the Act to knowingly obtain a public record as a mass requester without disclosing the person's status as a mass requester, if requested to do so by the public body. Requires persons denied access to inspect or copy any public record to first notify the public body of intent to file suit and provide an opportunity to confer orally, within 10 business days after receipt of the notification, about curing or resolving the issue. Requires a court to award a public body attorney's fees and costs against a commercial purpose requester, a recurrent requester, a mass requester, or a vexatious requester. Allows a public body to petition the Public Access Counselor for relief from a requester that the public body alleges is a vexatious requester, including an order that the public body need not comply with the current request and other requests from the vexatious requester for up to one year. Sets forth procedures and requirements regarding vexatious requesters. Makes conforming changes.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2026
• Added: 01/30/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Dan Didech (D)*, Michael Kelly (D), Ryan Spain (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/29/2026
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4682 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-REPEAT COMMERCIAL REQUEST

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is a law that grants the public the right to access government records. Specifically, it adds a provision that states repeated requests for records made for commercial purposes will be considered "unduly burdensome," meaning they can be refused. This applies when the same person makes multiple requests that are similar or ask for updated versions of records they've already received or been denied. The purpose of this change is to prevent individuals or entities from repeatedly asking for the same or similar commercial information, which can strain government resources.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that repeated requests for commercial purposes shall be deemed unduly burdensome if the requests are from the same person and seek similar or updated records.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2026
• Added: 01/30/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Dan Didech (D)*, Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Michael Kelly (D), Ryan Spain (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 01/29/2026
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB3491 • Last Action 03/27/2026

JUDICIAL PRIVACY ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill expands the Judicial Privacy Act to protect the personal information of federal judicial officers, which includes judges and clerks of federal courts, as well as state judicial officers, such as judges and clerks of state courts. The definition of "personal information" that can be protected is broadened to include financial details, date of birth, race and ethnicity, and biometric data. The bill outlines a specific process for federal and state judicial officials to make a written request to protect their personal information, including a standardized form for this request, and allows for court files or documents containing such information to be sealed. The purpose of these changes is to enhance the safety and security of judicial officials, enabling them to perform their duties without fear of reprisal, while still allowing them to voluntarily disclose their own information and ensuring that free access to their public decisions and opinions is not hindered.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Judicial Privacy Act to expand coverage to federal judicial officials and State judicial officials that includes judges and clerks of the State and federal judicial system. Amends "personal information" that may be protected to include financial, date of birth, race and ethnicity, and biometric information. Provides the method of making a written request to protect personal information by a federal and State judicial official. Creates form for the written request. Allows a court file or document to be sealed. Makes other changes.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/11/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Sally Turner (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/06/2026
• Last Action: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4446 • Last Action 03/27/2026

POLICE BODY CAMERA RECORD

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to modify provisions regarding the disclosure of body camera recordings under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is a law that grants the public the right to request access to government records. Specifically, the bill changes the requirement for redacting recordings disclosed under FOIA. Previously, recordings *shall* be redacted to remove identifying information of individuals not directly involved in the encounter, but now they *may* be redacted, giving law enforcement agencies more discretion. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that nothing in these provisions *prohibits* the disclosure of any recording, even if it would normally be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, whereas before it *required* disclosure of recordings that would be exempt. This means that while agencies can choose to redact more information, they are not prevented from releasing recordings that might otherwise be withheld.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. In provisions concerning whether recordings made with the use of an officer-worn body camera are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, provides that any recording disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act may, rather than shall, be redacted to remove identification of any person that appears on the recording and is not an officer, a subject of the encounter, or directly involved in the encounter. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall prohibit the disclosure of any recording or portion of any recording regardless of whether it would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, rather than require the disclosure of any recording or portion of any recording which would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/15/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4444 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT-FEE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act, which is a law that allows the public to access government records. The key changes are to the fees that government bodies can charge for fulfilling record requests. Specifically, the bill allows public bodies to charge the actual cost for personnel time spent searching for, retrieving, and reviewing records for necessary redactions, instead of the previous limit of $10 per hour. However, the first two hours of this search and retrieval time will be free, a reduction from the previous eight free hours. Additionally, the bill removes a provision that limited these cost recovery rules to only commercial requests, meaning these new fee structures will apply to all requesters.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body may charge the actual cost (rather than up to $10) for each hour spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requesting record or in examining the record for necessary redactions. Specifies that no fees shall be charged for the first 2 hours (rather than the first 8 hours) spent by personnel searching for or retrieving a requested record. Deletes a provision that limits the applicability of these cost recovery provisions to commercial requests.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 06/04/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4445 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-COMMERCIAL BODY CAMERA

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to establish new rules for the commercial use of body-worn camera recordings, which are defined as recordings captured by an officer-worn body camera. If a public body believes a request for such a recording is likely for commercial purposes, it must inform the requester if the recording contains identifiable subjects (individuals whose identity can be discerned) and warn them that commercial use triggers obligations under this new law, with potential civil liability for non-compliance. Before releasing a recording for commercial use, the public body must notify any known identifiable subjects, informing them of the request, the requester's intent to use it commercially, and their rights to pre-publication notice and revenue sharing. Individuals intending to use a recording commercially must also provide written notice to identifiable subjects, detailing their intent to publish, the platforms used, their expectation of profit, and the subjects' right to a share of revenue. Crucially, anyone making a "profit-derived use" (any commercial use generating revenue like advertising or subscriptions) must share at least 50% of their gross revenue with the identifiable subjects, allocated based on their "duration of appearance" (how long they are perceptible in the recording). Identifiable subjects aggrieved by violations can sue for damages and attorney's fees, and the bill clarifies that these provisions do not limit other legal rights, while public bodies are immune from liability for others' non-compliance.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if a public body determines that a request for a body-worn camera recording is reasonably likely to be used for a commercial purpose, then the public body's response to the requester shall inform the requester: (1) if the recording contains one or more identifiable subjects; (2) that use of the recording for any commercial purpose triggers obligations under the provisions if the recording contains an identifiable subject; and (3) that failure to comply with the provisions may result in civil liability. Provides that prior to disclosing a body-worn camera recording to a requester, the public body shall provide written notice to each identifiable subject in the recording that is known to the public body. Provides that prior to any publication, posting, dissemination, or distribution, a person intending to use a body-worn camera recording for a commercial purpose must provide written notice to each identifiable subject. Provides that, if a person engages in a profit-derived use of a body-worn camera recording, then the person shall remit not less than 50% of the gross revenues derived from the use of the body-worn camera recording to the identifiable subjects depicted in the recording. Provides that an identifiable subject who is aggrieved by a violation of the provisions may bring a civil action against any person who violates the provisions or who knowingly directs, assists, or benefits from a violation of the provisions. Provides that a person who is aggrieved by a violation of the provisions may recover damages and any other appropriate relief, including reasonable attorney's fees. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall be construed to limit, diminish, or adversely affect any rights, remedies, causes of actions, or protections under any other State or federal law. Provides that a public body, its officers, and its employees are immune from liability for any failure by a person other than the public body to comply with the provisions. Defines "body-worn camera recording", "identifiable subject", "profit-derived use", "duration of appearance", and "officer-worn body camera".

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/15/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2888 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-FEES AND COSTS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by modifying the provisions related to fees for public records requests. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement for public bodies to provide an accounting of personnel hours when charging fees for voluminous electronic record requests. Under the current law, when a public body imposes fees for large electronic record requests (based on data size and format), they must provide a detailed breakdown of fees, costs, and personnel hours. The new version eliminates the mandate to report personnel hours, while still requiring an accounting of fees and costs. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow public bodies to charge for the actual cost of purchasing recording media, with some protections for requesters such as no charge for the first 50 pages of black and white copies and no fees for the first 8 hours of personnel search time. The changes aim to simplify the fee accounting process for public bodies when responding to large electronic record requests, particularly those with a commercial purpose.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. In provisions regarding the authority to charge fees and the imposition of a fee for a voluminous request, removes requirements for an accounting of all personnel hours in connection with the request for public records.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Margaret DeLaRosa (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5221 • Last Action 03/27/2026

CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle personal data of Illinois residents, taking effect on January 1, 2027. It grants consumers rights such as the ability to confirm if their data is being processed, access, correct, and delete their personal data, and obtain a portable copy of their data. Crucially, consumers will have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal data, targeted advertising (which is defined as ads selected based on a consumer's past online activities to predict their preferences), and profiling for automated decisions that have significant legal or similarly significant effects on them, such as decisions about financial services or housing. The Act also outlines responsibilities for data controllers (entities that determine the purposes and means of data processing) and processors (entities that process data on behalf of controllers), including requirements for data security and transparency through privacy notices. It includes specific provisions for small businesses and makes conforming changes to the Freedom of Information Act, while also preempting local home rule authority on these matters.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Consumer Data Privacy Act. Sets forth provisions concerning agreements between personal data processors and controllers. Provides for consumer personal data rights, including the right to opt out of the processing of personal data concerning the consumer for purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of automated decisions that produce legal effects. Sets forth provisions concerning the responsibilities of controllers; requirements for small businesses; and data privacy and protection assessments. Provides for civil penalties. Preempts home rule. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/11/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Edgar González (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2421 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-CRIM JUSTICE AGENCY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand an existing exemption for law enforcement records contained in shared electronic record management systems. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing language to allow a criminal justice agency (in addition to a law enforcement agency) to be exempt from disclosing a record that it did not create, did not participate in or have a role in the events described in the record, and only has access to the record through a shared electronic record management system. This means that if a law enforcement or criminal justice agency receives a public records request for a document that is part of a shared electronic system but was created by another agency and is unrelated to the receiving agency's own work, that agency can choose not to disclose the record. The amendment provides additional protection for agencies that might have peripheral access to records through interconnected electronic systems, preventing them from being obligated to release documents they did not originally generate or have direct involvement in creating.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from inspection and copying a law enforcement record created for law enforcement purposes and contained in a shared electronic record management system if the law enforcement agency or criminal justice agency (rather than only the law enforcement agency) that is the recipient of the request did not create the record, did not participate in or have a role in any of the events which are the subject of the record, and only has access to the record through the shared electronic record management system.

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• Introduced: 01/31/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Natalie Manley (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 01/31/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5484 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA PRIVATE INFO-GENDER

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "private information," which refers to sensitive personal data that public bodies may withhold from public disclosure. Specifically, it adds "gender identity," "sexual orientation," and "gender expression" to the list of identifiers considered private information, alongside existing categories like social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and personal email addresses. This change means that information related to an individual's gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression, when held by a public body, will now be protected under the same privacy provisions as other sensitive personal data, preventing its automatic release through public records requests.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. In the definition of "private information", includes gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2026
• Added: 02/07/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/06/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4771 • Last Action 03/27/2026

POLICE DATA SHARING ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Law Enforcement Data Sharing Act, mandates that criminal justice agencies must share all criminal justice data and records, including personally identifying and demographic information, with bona fide researchers (individuals or organizations approved by an institutional review board who agree to use the data solely for research and statistical purposes and not identify individuals). This data includes information related to law enforcement stops, searches, seizures, arrests, citations, diversion programs, criminal charges and dispositions, release from custody, probation, parole, and disciplinary actions within the correctional system. Additionally, agencies must share any data that would otherwise be accessible to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, and may share any other responsive criminal justice data upon request. The Attorney General will provide guidance on compliance within six months of the act's effective date, and agencies can charge reasonable fees for data retrieval, though these can be waived.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Law Enforcement Data Sharing Act. Provides that a criminal justice agency shall share with a bona fide researcher all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency relating to: (1) a law enforcement stop, search, or seizure; (2) a warrant, arrest, or citation; (3) participation in a pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion, specialty court, or other alternative resolution program; (4) a criminal charge, disposition, or sentence; (5) a pretrial or posttrial release from custody, or any terms or conditions of release; (6) a grant, order, change in the terms of, or termination of pretrial supervised release, probation, parole, or participation in correctional or rehabilitative programs; or (7) a formal discipline, reclassification, or relocation of any person under criminal sentence or correctional control. Provides that a criminal justice agency shall share with a bona fide researcher all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by the criminal justice agency that is subject to mandatory or discretionary disclosure to any member of the public under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a criminal justice agency may share with a bona fide researcher any other criminal justice data, records, or information, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency that is responsive to a bona fide researcher's request. Provides that, within 6 months after the effective date of the Act, the Attorney General shall issue guidance to assist criminal justice agencies in complying with the Act's requirements. Provides that a criminal justice agency may assess reasonable fees, not to exceed actual costs, for the search, retrieval, and copying of criminal justice data, records, or information requested under the Act, and may waive fees at their discretion.

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• Introduced: 02/02/2026
• Added: 02/03/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Kam Buckner (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 02/02/2026
• Last Action: House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5276 • Last Action 03/27/2026

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER-SAFETY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act by adding law enforcement officers to the definition of "public official," meaning that these officers will now be covered by the protections afforded to public officials under this Act, which generally relates to safeguarding their personal information and privacy.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act. Adds law enforcement officers to the definition of "public official".

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/11/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/05/2026
• Last Action: House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1855 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-JUDICIAL BRANCH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "public body" to include the judicial branch and its components, which were previously excluded from the Act's requirements. The bill explicitly exempts records related to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders from public disclosure, protecting the confidentiality of judicial decision-making processes. Additionally, the bill removes the jurisdiction of the Public Access Counselor over denials of record requests from the judicial branch, meaning that judicial branch entities will not be subject to the same review process as other public bodies when they refuse to release records. This change effectively creates a special carve-out for the judicial branch, giving them more discretion in handling public records requests while maintaining the privacy and independence of judicial deliberations. The modifications aim to balance transparency with the need to protect the judicial process from undue external interference or scrutiny of internal decision-making materials.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "public body" includes the judicial branch and components of the judicial branch of the State. Exempts records that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders. Excludes denials of requests of records from the judicial branch or components of the judicial branch from the jurisdiction of the Public Access Counselor.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Curtis Tarver (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4683 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-MASS REQUESTER

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to establish specific rules for "mass requesters," defined as individuals or entities submitting identical or substantially similar requests for records to five or more public bodies within a 30-day period. Public bodies must now respond to these mass requesters within 21 business days, providing an estimate of time and fees, denying the request with justification, declaring it unduly burdensome with an opportunity to revise, or providing the requested records. While generally prioritizing requests from non-mass requesters, public bodies must still comply with mass requests within a reasonable time unless records are exempt. The bill also makes it a violation for a person to knowingly conceal their status as a mass requester when asked by a public body, which can lead to the denial of their request. Furthermore, mass requesters must notify the public body of any objections to a denial before seeking review from the Public Access Counselor or filing a lawsuit, and their ability to recover attorney's fees is limited unless the public body knowingly fails to respond or provide a basis for denial.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Requires a public body to respond to a request for records submitted by a mass requester within 21 business days after receipt. Requires the response to (i) provide to the requester an estimate of the time required by the public body to provide the records requested and an estimate of the fees to be charged, which the public body may require the person to pay in full before copying the requested documents, (ii) deny the request pursuant to one or more of the exemptions set out in the Act, (iii) notify the requester that the request is unduly burdensome and extend an opportunity to the requester to attempt to reduce the request to manageable proportions, or (iv) provide the records requested. Provides that, unless the records are exempt from disclosure, a public body shall comply with a request for records within a reasonable period considering the size and complexity of the request and giving priority to records requested by requesters who are not mass requesters. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for a person to knowingly obtain a public record without disclosing the person's status as a mass requester, if requested to do so by the public body, within 5 business days. Allows the public body to deny the request based upon the violation. Requires a mass requester to notify the public body of an objection before seeking review of a denial of a request with the Public Access Counselor, and requires review by a Public Access Counselor before judicial review. Limits awards of attorney's fees to mass requesters under the Act. Defines "mass requester". Makes conforming changes.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2026
• Added: 01/30/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Dan Didech (D)*, Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Michael Kelly (D), Ryan Spain (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 01/29/2026
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2884 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-CLOSED MTG MINUTES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify the process for filing lawsuits related to denied public records requests, specifically for minutes or verbatim records of closed meetings. Under the new provision, if a requester is denied access to minutes from a closed meeting that have not been previously made public, they must wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. This 60-day waiting period begins either when the public body receives the request or after the Public Access Counselor issues a binding or non-binding opinion, whichever occurs later. The waiting period is intended to provide an opportunity for the requested records to be reviewed according to the Open Meetings Act. This change aims to create a more structured and deliberative process for resolving disputes over access to government meeting records, giving public bodies additional time to review and potentially release documents before litigation begins.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if the denial of a request includes a request for minutes or a verbatim record of a meeting of the public body closed to the public as provided in the Open Meetings Act that have not been previously made available for public inspection, suit may be filed under a specified provision only after a 60-day period following (i) the receipt of the request by the public body or (ii) the issuance of a binding or non-binding opinion from the Public Access Counselor, whichever is later, to allow for review of the requested records as provided under the Open Meetings Act.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Margaret DeLaRosa (D)*, Martha Deuter (D), Harry Benton (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5145 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to clarify that it does not intend to bypass court processes for determining the public availability of law enforcement records such as arrest and booking details, mug shots, body-worn camera footage, 9-1-1 audio, and crime scene photos, unless these records are relevant to a requester's current or potential case or claim. It also increases the maximum fee for black and white copies from 15 to 25 cents per page, modifies fees for searching, retrieving, and reviewing records for commercial requests, and exempts certain law enforcement records from disclosure unless they are relevant to a requester's case or claim.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Specifies that the Act is not intended to circumvent the process used by the courts to address whether arrest and booking records, mug shots, body-worn camera footage, in-car camera footage, 9-1-1 audio files, crime scene photographs, or other similar law enforcement records are to be made publicly available, except when those records may be relevant to a current or potential case or claim by the requester. Increases the cap on the fee that may be imposed for black and white copies from 15 cents per page to 25 cents per page. Makes changes to the fees public bodies may charge for time spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requested record or examining the record for necessary redactions. Exempts from disclosure under the Act specified law enforcement records, except when those records may be relevant to a current or potential case or claim by the requester.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2026
• Added: 02/06/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Suzanne Ness (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4704 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-STUDENT HOTLINES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Student Confidential Reporting Act and the Freedom of Information Act to protect the confidentiality of information shared with school helplines. Specifically, it ensures that any reports or information submitted to a "similar independent school helpline" (defined as a confidential, toll-free service for students to report threats to school safety, not intended for punishment, and involving trained operators) are treated with the same confidentiality as reports made to the Safe2Help Illinois program. This means such information cannot be released except under specific circumstances outlined in the Student Confidential Reporting Act or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and it is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, which is a law that generally grants the public access to government records. Violating these confidentiality provisions by intentionally disclosing such information will be a Class C misdemeanor, a minor criminal offense.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Student Confidential Reporting Act to provide that any report or information submitted to a similar independent school helpline to the Safe2Help Illinois program is also confidential, may not be released except as otherwise provided in the Act or in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a person who intentionally discloses information in violation of the added provision commits a Class C misdemeanor. Defines "similar independent school helpline". Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make conforming changes.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2026
• Added: 01/30/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Tracy Katz Muhl (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 01/29/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4684 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-PURPOSELESS MASS REQUEST

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to address "purposeless mass requests," which are defined as requests sent electronically to at least seven public bodies within 30 days without a genuine intent to study or use the information. The bill clarifies the definition of "commercial purpose" to include providing services to a specific customer or client, while still exempting news media and non-profit organizations for their primary purposes. It establishes a process for public bodies to tentatively designate a request as a "purposeless mass request," requiring them to notify the requester and allow them a short period to provide evidence of a reasonable purpose. If the request is confirmed as a purposeless mass request, the public body will have 21 business days to respond, which may include estimating costs and time, denying the request, deeming it unduly burdensome, or providing the records, and importantly, prohibits the award of attorney's fees in cases where a public body reasonably determined a request was a purposeless mass request.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Changes the definition of "commercial purpose". Defines "purposeless mass request". Provides that a public body may designate a request as a purposeless mass request under specified conditions. Establishes procedures for notice, requester response, and a final determination concerning the request. Sets timelines for processing such requests and authorizes responses to them. Prohibits attorney's fees in actions where the public body reasonably determined a request was a purposeless mass request.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2026
• Added: 01/30/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Dan Didech (D)*, Michael Kelly (D), Ryan Spain (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/29/2026
• Last Action: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4409 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-POLICE REDACTIONS 10 DAYS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is a law that grants the public the right to access government records. Specifically, it changes the timeframe for law enforcement and correctional agencies to respond to public records requests. Previously, these agencies, like all other public bodies, had 5 business days to either provide the records or deny the request. Now, law enforcement and correctional agencies will have 15 business days to respond, an extension of 10 business days. This extension is allowed for situations where the requested records are partially exempt from disclosure and require redactions, such as blurring body camera footage, before the remaining information can be released. The bill also allows for an additional extension of up to 15 business days for these specific redaction needs, meaning a total of up to 30 business days could be taken to fulfill such requests.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a law enforcement or correctional agency shall, promptly, either comply with or deny a request for public records within 15 business days (rather than within 5 business days) after its receipt of the request, unless the time for response is properly extended under certain provisions. Allows for an extension for not more than 15 business days from the original due date for the reason that the requested records are records that are partially exempt from disclosure but that require blurring of body camera footage by a law enforcement or correctional agency or other redactions by a law enforcement or correctional agency before making the remaining requested information available for inspection and copying.

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• Introduced: 01/13/2026
• Added: 01/14/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jackie Haas (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 01/13/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB5406 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-BUSINESS DAY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to clarify the definition of "business day" and adjust timelines for commercial requests. Specifically, it defines a "business day" as Monday through Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and specified holidays, with additional exclusions for school districts, community colleges, and universities to include their winter and spring breaks and the day after Thanksgiving. Furthermore, for requests made for a "commercial purpose" – meaning the use of public records for sale, resale, or advertising – the bill changes the response timeframe from 21 "working days" to 21 "business days," ensuring that these requests are processed within a clearer, more consistent timeframe.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Defines "business day" as Monday through Friday, not including Saturday, Sunday, and specified holidays. In provisions regarding requests for commercial purposes, changes a reference to 21 working days to a reference to 21 business days.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2026
• Added: 02/07/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/06/2026
• Last Action: House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3515 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to make several key changes. The bill expands the definition of "commercial purpose" to include any use that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester. It also narrows the definition of "news media" by excluding internet sites and social media channels that post law enforcement videos in exchange for compensation based on view count. For audio and video records, the bill allows public bodies to charge up to $40 per hour for personnel time spent searching, retrieving, reviewing, redacting, and reproducing records, with the first 3 hours (previously 8 hours) of search and retrieval time being free. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions of the Body Camera Act to exclude requests for body camera footage made for commercial purposes from mandatory disclosure requirements. These changes aim to provide more clarity and control over public records access, particularly for commercial requesters, while potentially limiting the ability of some online platforms to monetize law enforcement video content.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "commercial purpose" includes any use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf a request is made. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "news media" does not include Internet sites, social media channels, or other sites or applications that post law enforcement videos in exchange for compensation based on the number of views. Provides that a public body may charge up to $40 for each hour spent by personnel in searching for, retrieving, reviewing, redacting, and reproducing audio and video records except for the first 8 hours spent by personnel in searching for or retrieving a requested record. Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that requests for a commercial purpose, as defined in the Freedom of Information Act, are not subject to provisions of the Act requiring the release of body-camera footage that has been flagged for specified reasons.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Anthony DeLuca (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3380 • Last Action 03/27/2026

BODY CAMERAS-FOIA REQUESTS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to modify the rules regarding the disclosure of body camera recordings. Specifically, the bill limits the disclosure of recordings that have been "flagged" - meaning they involve a complaint, firearm discharge, use of force, arrest, detention, or incident resulting in death or bodily harm. Under the new provisions, such recordings can only be disclosed through a court order, or to specific parties including: the person involved in the encounter, their legal representative, a witness to the encounter, the witness's legal representative, or a news media representative. The bill maintains existing protections for recordings, such as the requirement to retain recordings for 90 days and to keep flagged recordings for at least two years. The changes aim to balance transparency with privacy concerns by creating a clear framework for when and how body camera footage can be accessed, while still allowing important recordings to be reviewed by relevant parties. The bill does not fundamentally change the existing requirements for when officers must use body cameras or how they must be maintained, but instead focuses on refining the rules around recording access and disclosure.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Limits disclosure of a recording made with the use of an officer-worn body camera which is flagged due to the filing of a complaint, discharge of a firearm, use of force, arrest or detention, or resulting death or bodily harm to a request made by (1) court order; (2) a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (3) a legal representative of a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (4) a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (5) a legal representative of a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; or (6) a representative of news media.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Slaughter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2882 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-RESPONSE PERIODS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify response time requirements for public records requests. Currently, public bodies must respond to a records request within 5 business days, but the bill extends this to 15 business days. Additionally, the time for extending a response is increased from 5 to 10 business days. The bill allows extensions for various reasons, such as records being stored in multiple locations, requiring extensive search efforts, needing review by specialized personnel, or requiring consultation with other public bodies. For commercial requests, the response time is extended from 21 to 30 business days. The bill maintains provisions that if a public body fails to respond within the specified timeframes, they cannot charge fees for providing the records and cannot claim the request is unduly burdensome. These changes aim to provide public bodies more flexibility in processing complex or voluminous records requests while still maintaining transparency and accountability in government record access.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that each public body shall, promptly, either comply with or deny a request for public records within 15 business days (rather than 5 business days) after its receipt of the request, unless extended for an additional 10 business days (rather than 5 business days) for specified reasons. Provides that commercial requests must be responded to within 30 business days (rather than 21 working days).

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 04/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Margaret DeLaRosa (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB4408 • Last Action 03/27/2026

FOIA-VICTIM INFORMATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to create a new exemption from public disclosure for certain records. Specifically, it adds a provision that exempts records held by public bodies, law enforcement agencies, or correctional agencies that contain the name, address, or other identifying or contact information of individuals under 18 years old who are victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual violence. This means that such sensitive information about child victims will be protected from public inspection and copying under FOIA, ensuring their privacy and safety.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that records in the possession of any public body created in the course of administrative enforcement proceedings, and any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes, that contain the name, address, or other identifying information or contact information of a person who is under the age of 18 years old and who is a victim of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual violence are exempt from inspection and copying under certain provisions regarding a public body redacting the exempt information.

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• Introduced: 01/13/2026
• Added: 01/14/2026
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jackie Haas (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 01/13/2026
• Last Action: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]