Freedom of Information Act


The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government, and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials.

The principle mandate of the Act provides that each public body shall make available to any person for inspection, or upon submission of a written request, to provide copies of any requested records that are subject to disclosure under the Act. Not all records are subject to disclosure, and the Act provides a number of exemptions.

This Act is not intended to be used to violate individual privacy, nor for the purpose of furthering a commercial enterprise, or to disrupt the duly-undertaken work of any public body independent of the fulfillment of any of the rights of the people to access to information (5 ILCS 140/1).

Heather Bowman is the FOIA officer for Hamilton County.  Should you have a FOIA request, please email Heather at coclerk@hamiltoncountyil.gov.

Links

Illinois Attorney General

Office Documents

All documents can be submitted via mail or in person during normal business hours.