FOIA Request Builder | Peoria County IL Transparency Portal

Illinois FOIA Request Builder

Build a legally comprehensive Freedom of Information Act request under 5 ILCS 140/. The letter is written to be difficult for any public body to lawfully deny or delay.

⏱️ 5 business days to respond

⚖️ PAC appeal if denied

🚫 No reason required

💸 Fees capped at actual cost

📬 1. Your Information

Your Full Name *

Organization (optional)

Your Mailing Address

Your Email Address

Phone (optional)

Request Date

🏛️ 2. Agency Being Requested

Select Taxing Body / Agency *

📋 3. Records Being Requested

Quick Templates — click to add to your request:

Describe the records you are requesting *

💡 Tip: Put each record type on its own line. Each line becomes a numbered item in your letter.

Preferred Format

Fee Waiver Request

Request Type

⚖️ 4. Legal Provisions

All provisions are pre-selected for maximum legal protection. Uncheck only if you have a specific reason.

5-day response deadline reminder (5 ILCS 140/3(d)) Asserts the 5-business-day response requirement by statute.

No reason required (5 ILCS 140/3(c)) Confirms you are not required to explain why you want the records.

Request for partial fulfillment Prevents wholesale denial — requires non-exempt portions to be produced.

Exemption log if records withheld (5 ILCS 140/9) Requires the agency to identify every withheld record and cite the exemption.

Fee notice / waiver language (5 ILCS 140/6) Invokes statutory fee caps and your chosen waiver basis.

Objection to improper extensions Puts agency on notice that unlawful delays will be reported to the PAC.

Public Access Counselor appeal notice (5 ILCS 140/9.5) Signals you know your appeal rights — discourages improper denials.

Broad definition of "public records" Prevents narrow interpretation to exclude responsive documents.

The preview also updates live as you type above.

📄 Live Preview

✍️

Your letter will appear here.

Fill in your name, select an agency, and describe the records you need — the preview updates automatically.

Or click Generate My FOIA Letter when ready.

⚖️ Important Legal Notes

Illinois FOIA Act (5 ILCS 140/)

Every person has the right to inspect and copy public records. A public body must respond within 5 business days, or 21 days for commercial requests.

If Your Request Is Denied

File a Request for Review with the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor at (877) 299-0790 or publicaccess@atg.state.il.us.

Fees

A public body may charge for the actual cost of reproducing records. Fees for the first 50 pages of standard paper copies are prohibited. Electronic records should generally be provided at no cost.

Exemptions

Some records may be withheld (e.g., personnel files, law enforcement records, attorney-client communications). Any denial must cite the specific exemption under 5 ILCS 140/7.

Disclaimer: This tool generates a template letter only. It is not legal advice.