1. How do I submit a FOIA request?

FOIA requests may be submitted by mail or hand delivered to 401 South Spring St., 3rd Fl., Springfield, Illinois. Fascimile (217.524.0565) and e-mail (CDB.FOIA@Illinois.gov) requests are also acceptable. There is no specific form that must be used. For your convenience, a form has been provided for you as a guide.

2. To whom do I submit my FOIA Request?

Capital Development Board
401 South Spring Street
3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62706
Attn: Freedom of Information Act Officer

3. What is to be included in my FOIA request?

When submitting a FOIA request, please be as specific as possible and clearly describe the documents being sought, including the project/contract numbers and a description of the project if applicable.

4. What happens after I submit a FOIA request?

The FOIA Officer will review your request and respond within 5 business days of receipt of the request. Responses may include but are not limited to a full disclosure of documents, a disclosure of documents with certain information redacted, a notification that CDB needs up to an additional 5 business days to respond, or a denial or partial denial of your request due to certain exemptions under the Act.

5. Is there a process to appeal the FOIA Officer’s decision?

If all or part of the FOIA request was denied, the provisions for appealing the decision are found at Title 2 Ill. Admin Code 1651.410 and referenced in the Act at 5 ILCS 140/9-11.5.

6. Can CDB charge me photocopy fees?

Yes. CDB’s fee schedule may be found at Title 2 Ill. Admin Code 1651.APPENDIX B. CDB may charge fees reasonably calculated to reimburse its actual cost for reproduction and for the use by any person of the equipment of the public body to copy records. Such costs cannot include the costs of any search for and review of the record. CDB may waive fees if the “requester states the specific purpose for the request and indicates that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest” in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6 (b).

7. Are office telephone records of members of a public body considered public records?

Yes. Telephone records of a member of a public body would be considered a public record for purposes of the Act.

8. Are e-mails of members of a public body considered public record?

Yes. Email records of a member of a public body would be considered a public record for purposes of the Act.

9. Does a public body have to honor a “standing request” for information asking that the public body forward certain records on a regular basis?

No. For example, a person cannot request that each month the public body send a copy of a particular report generated regularly. The public body is required to respond, however, to each individual request as required by the Act.