Illinois
Open Meetings Act
Formally: Illinois Open Meetings Act
5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 2 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Required, written accepted |
| Closed Sessions | 7 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required, online posting required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Post agenda at principal office and meeting location at least 48 hours before meeting; agenda must be continuously available for the entire 48-hour period; also post on website if body has one maintained by full-time staff
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — 2/3 of quorum vote for emergency items
Public Participation
Time limits: Public body may establish rules including time limits for individual speakers per 5 ILCS 120/2.06(g).
Any person shall be permitted an opportunity to address public officials under rules established and recorded by the public body. Residency requirements and blanket advance sign-up requirements have been found improper by the Illinois Attorney General. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(g).
Virtual Meetings
Limited remote attendance allowed under 5 ILCS 120/7(e) for illness, disability, or employment reasons if a physical quorum is otherwise present. Remote members do not count toward quorum. Full remote quorum requires a Governor/IDPH disaster declaration (COVID-19 emergency expired May 11, 2023).
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present/absent, all actions taken, motions, votes and results (5 ILCS 120/2.06)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: 5 ILCS 120/2.01 requires the public body to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to attend or participate, including providing a sign-language interpreter upon request with adequate advance notice.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.