House Bill No. 6882 seeks to revise the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) based on recommendations from the Freedom of Information Commission, with an effective date of October 1, 2025. Key amendments include the repeal of subsection (e) of section 1-205, which is replaced by a requirement for the Commission to conduct annual training sessions for public agency members on updated FOIA requirements. The bill also modifies definitions and procedures related to public records, specifically changing "Educational" to "Education" in the context of records exempt from disclosure under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additionally, it establishes a notification process for public agencies receiving record requests and clarifies the appeal process for denied access to records.

Further changes include the introduction of a new definition for "hand-held scanner," encompassing portable devices used to capture public records, and the establishment of a fee structure for their use. The bill narrows the definition of "governmental function" to a specific statute regarding contracts, ensuring that contracts over $2.5 million allow public agencies access to related records subject to FOIA. It also updates public meeting notification requirements, allowing electronic delivery of notices and waivers. Overall, these revisions aim to enhance transparency and accessibility of public records while ensuring compliance with updated legal standards, without imposing any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-200, 1-218
GOS Joint Favorable: 1-200, 1-218
File No. 81: 1-200, 1-218