WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderNew Freedom of Information Act laws change

New Freedom of Information Act laws change

By Katie Nilsson

ROCKFORD (WREX) -  The City of Rockford is ready for changes coming to the Freedom of Information Act in the new year.  The new laws will give the public better access to some things, like personnel records.  Starting Monday, city attorney Kerry Partridge says you'll be able to fill out Freedom of Information Act requests online.  "They're probably going to get their requests in maybe a little bit different but probably a lot more convenient if they work via the city's website but I think they'll get their information back more quickly.

Under the new law, government agencies have less time to process FOIA requests.  They used to have seven days, now they only have five.  But Partridge says they hope that in most cases, people will know if theirs has been approved in 24 hours.  "I'm hoping with a lot of the more simple requests that we'll be able to have a pretty quick turnaround time."

Every municipality has to appoint a Freedom of Information Officer.  The City of Rockford now has two, Partridge and city attorney Angela Hammer.  Each department will have a FOIA liaison or "FILO", who will report to them.  "There are no additional funds being expended on the FILOS or Angela or myself."

Partridge says most of the city's roughly 1,500 FOIA requests a year come from people wanting information from the police and fire departments.  Partridge and Hammer are the only two who can deny a claim.  If they do, you'll get it in writing. "If there is a denial the request can actually go straight to court without going through the mayors office for appeal as has been the case in the past."

Partridge says they hope to have all FOIA requests listed on the city's website by the end of the year so you can see who is requesting what.