FOIA - Freedom of Information Act
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) opens government to all citizens by guaranteeing access to state records in whatever form they are maintained. The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to transparency and supports the State of Illinois' efforts to share information.
On August 17, 2009, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 189 into law as P.A. 96-0542. This law contains significant changes to FOIA, effective January 1, 2010. The General Assembly believes so strongly in a Citizen's right to access public records it stated that, “providing records in compliance with the requirements of this Act is a primary duty of public bodies to the people of this State…” See 5 ILCS 140/1
The following are significant changes to FOIA:
- Upon receipt of a FOIA request, an agency has five (5) — formerly seven (7) —working days from date of receipt in which to respond.
- For documents requested to be used for a commercial purpose, the agency has 21 working days from date of receipt in which to respond.
- First 50 pages of black and white copies on letter or legal sized paper are free, then charges are capped at 15 cents per page for black and white legal or letter sized paper. Copies in color or in a size other than letter or legal, you may be charged no more than the actual cost for reproducing the records.
- Denial appeals should be sent to the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor
For more information on the new law…
Information Already Provided
The Tollway provides immediate and/or online access to:
What to Know Before Submitting a FOIA Request
- Review documents already available to the public before submitting a FOIA Request. Much of the Tollway’s information is online.
- Be as specific as you can in identifying the documents or information you are seeking.
- Find a list of records available for FOIA
- The requestor will be informed of the status of the request within 5 working days.
- Some records and documents may be off-site. The Tollway will pass on any costs billed for these requests.
How to Make a FOIA Request
Requests can be made in person or in writing and hand delivered, sent by email, or sent by U.S. Postal Service.
To:
Illinois Tollway
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
2700 Ogden Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 241-6800
foia@getipass.com
Use the FOIA sample request (PDF) as a guide. Be sure the following information is included:
- The requestor’s full name, address and phone number
- A description of the Tollway records sought, be as thorough as possible
- Whether the request is for inspection of Tollway records, copies of Tollway records or both
Note: All FOIA requests submitted to the Illinois Tollway and their responses are posted for public review.
Your FOIA request should be as thorough as possible. FOIA provides that requests for public records should not be “unduly burdensome.” If a burdensome request is made the Tollway may extend a time period with which it will comply (as provided under subsection 3(d)(vi) of the Act).
The Act ( 5 ILCS 140(2)(c) ) defines public records as "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body."
