{
 "topic": "FOIA section 7(1)(a) - Federal/State-law confidentiality — or public defender case files, for documents issued under the other amendment version",
 "statute": "5 ILCS 140/7(1)(a)",
 "family": "FOIA exemptions (section 7)",
 "page": "https://illinoisfoia.org/issues/foia-7-1-a/",
 "note": "Determination letters are non-binding. Verify against the source PDF before citing.",
 "counts": {
  "violation_found": 13,
  "no_violation": 19,
  "no_determination": 0,
  "other": 0
 },
 "challenge_notes": {
  "generated_by": "AI summary of the decisions listed on this page; not legal advice; verify each decision against its PDF",
  "when_a_challenge_is_strong": [
   {
    "text": "The public body withholds records claiming a specific statute prohibits disclosure, but the statute only covers a subset of the records (e.g., electronic recordings but not photo arrays, or mental health services records but not law enforcement investigatory records).",
    "why": "The body must prove the exemption applies to each record; if the statute's scope is narrower, the denial fails.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports of a 1969 death at a state hospital",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84839/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body withholds entire records instead of redacting exempt portions.",
    "why": "FOIA requires redaction and disclosure of non-exempt information; withholding entire records is improper unless all parts are exempt.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "An email about cannabis licensing between a department's deputy director and two others",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-76546/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A school district's settlement agreement with a student's family",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58473/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "An internal investigation into a professor's research and IRB process",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-53007/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body relies on a court order to withhold records, but the order does not cover the agency's own copies or the specific records requested.",
    "why": "The body must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the order prohibits disclosure of those records.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police reports from a 2009 case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84373/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Communications with a judge about a wrongful death lawsuit",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77825/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body cites a federal statute or federal FOIA exemption to withhold records.",
    "why": "Federal FOIA does not apply to state public bodies; only a specific federal or state prohibition can justify withholding under section 7(1)(a).",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Death investigation records and police-federal communications",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57377/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "when_the_body_usually_wins": [
   {
    "text": "The requested records are explicitly made confidential by a specific state or federal statute, such as LEADS data, library registration records, public aid records, or genetic testing information.",
    "why": "Section 7(1)(a) exempts information specifically prohibited from disclosure by law, and these statutes clearly apply.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "An applicant's background check and polygraph records",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69962/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "List of adult library cardholders",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81001/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Personal case file records of a state human services agency",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-78380/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "DNA phenotype reports for an unsolved murder case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-94362/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The records are sealed by a valid court order that explicitly covers the records held by the public body.",
    "why": "A court order prohibiting disclosure satisfies section 7(1)(a).",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police reports from a 2009 case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84373/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The records are teacher performance evaluations under the School Code and Personnel Record Review Act.",
    "why": "These are exempt in full and cannot be redacted.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Teacher evaluation performance task results",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81858/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The records are closed session verbatim recordings that the public body has not determined no longer require confidential treatment.",
    "why": "OMA section 2.06(e) prohibits disclosure.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session minutes and recordings of an investigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81399/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "points_to_put_in_the_letter": [
   {
    "text": "If the public body claims a state law prohibits disclosure, ask them to identify the exact statutory provision and explain how it applies to each specific record. Point out that the law may only cover certain types of records (like electronic recordings, not photo arrays).",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports of a 1969 death at a state hospital",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84839/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "If the public body withheld entire records, argue that they must redact only the exempt information and provide the rest. Remind them that withholding an entire record is only allowed if every part is exempt.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "An email about cannabis licensing between a department's deputy director and two others",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-76546/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A school district's settlement agreement with a student's family",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58473/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "If the public body cites a court order, demand that they prove the order specifically prohibits disclosure of the records they hold. An order sealing court copies does not automatically seal the agency's own copies.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police reports from a 2009 case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84373/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Communications with a judge about a wrongful death lawsuit",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77825/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "If the public body relies on a federal law or federal FOIA exemption, state that federal FOIA does not apply to state public bodies and that only a specific federal or state prohibition can justify withholding under section 7(1)(a).",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Death investigation records and police-federal communications",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57377/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "facts_to_gather": [
   "Whether the requested record is an electronic recording or a different type of document (e.g., photo array, lineup report).",
   "Whether a court order specifically names the agency's records or only court copies.",
   "Whether the record relates to a minor's investigation, arrest, or custodial detention, or merely mentions a minor.",
   "Whether the record is a notice to remedy or a periodic performance evaluation.",
   "Whether the public body has redacted or withheld entire records."
  ],
  "common_mistakes": [
   {
    "text": "Mistakenly believing that federal FOIA exemptions can be used to compel disclosure from a state public body.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Death investigation records and police-federal communications",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57377/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Assuming that any record related to a minor is automatically exempt under the Juvenile Court Act without checking if it concerns an investigation, arrest, or custodial detention.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Accepting a public body's claim that records are exempt under a statute without demanding that the body identify the specific provision and show how it applies.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports of a 1969 death at a state hospital",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84839/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Failing to argue that the public body must redact and disclose non-exempt portions when they withhold entire records.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "An email about cannabis licensing between a department's deputy director and two others",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-76546/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "caution": "These notes are based on non-binding determination letters from the Public Access Bureau; outcomes depend on specific facts and the public body's evidence. Always verify the current version of the cited statutes and the PDF of the decision."
 },
 "issues": [
  {
   "issue": "Denial of FOIA request for genetic phenotype report",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "FOIA exempts information specifically prohibited from disclosure by state law, and GIPA prohibits disclosure of genetic testing information except to authorized persons or for criminal investigation.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "DNA phenotype reports for an unsolved murder case",
    "date": "2026-06-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-94362/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction under section 7(1)(a) and JCA",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The JCA restricts juvenile law enforcement records, but the report did not concern a minor's investigation, arrest, or custodial detention, so the exemption did not apply.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
    "date": "2024-08-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of minor's law enforcement records under FOIA",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "FOIA exempts information prohibited from disclosure by state law, and the Juvenile Court Act prohibits disclosure of law enforcement records of a minor to unauthorized persons.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Law enforcement records of a minor's arrest",
    "date": "2018-03-30",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52318/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding of complaints, investigative records, and internal correspondence",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records related to the Department's examination or investigation of a mortgage company are exempt as confidential supervisory information under Department rules implementing the Residential Mortgage License Act.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Investigative materials and hearing transcripts from a 2013 disciplinary order",
    "date": "2025-09-25",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-89273/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "IDOC denial of master record file request under FOIA exemption",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "IDOC properly denied a request for master record files because the Unified Code of Corrections limits access to authorized personnel, court order, or subpoena, and does not allow access by an investigator or attorney even with a client release.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An inmate's discharge date from a corrections sentence",
    "date": "2025-03-17",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-85755/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "ISP improperly withheld documents under MHDDCA confidentiality",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "MHDDCA confidentiality applies only to records and communications made in the course of providing mental health services, not to law enforcement investigatory records merely because they pertain to a named resident.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports of a 1969 death at a state hospital",
    "date": "2025-09-08",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84839/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Wisnasky-Bettorf v. Pierce, 2012 IL 111253",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Hot List or Hot Plates reports exempt",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "LEADS data is exempt from disclosure under FOIA section 7(1)(a) because administrative rules prohibit dissemination to unauthorized individuals, and the public is not authorized.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police records on Automated License Plate Reader data and investigations",
    "date": "2025-01-27",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84561/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Gov't Ass'n v. Zaruba, 2014 IL App (2d) 140071, ¶ 27",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2014%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20140071/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding records sealed by court order",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "A public body does not violate FOIA when it withholds records that are prohibited from disclosure by a court order, such as a sealing order.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports from a 2009 case",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84373/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "GTE Sylvania, Inc. v. Consumers Union of the United States, Inc., 445 U.S. 375, 387 (1980)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-009, issued November 7, 2016",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-43168/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 62415, issued May 14, 2020",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding records not covered by sealing order",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that withheld records are covered by a court order sealing them; otherwise, the denial is improper.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports from a 2009 case",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84373/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Copyright law prohibits disclosure of embedded software information",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "FOIA exempts information specifically prohibited from disclosure by federal law, and copyright law prohibits reproducing copyrighted software including embedded information.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A proprietary cost table in assessment software",
    "date": "2025-03-03",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84329/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Garlick v. Naperville Township, 2017 IL App (2d) 170025",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2017%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20170025/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding REACH test results as teacher performance evaluations",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records that are teacher performance evaluations are exempt from FOIA disclosure under the School Code and Personnel Record Review Act, and must be withheld in full without redaction.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Teacher evaluation performance task results",
    "date": "2024-07-09",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81858/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session verbatim recording exempt under FOIA",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "OMA section 2.06(e) prohibits disclosure of closed session verbatim recordings unless the public body determines they no longer require confidential treatment.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session minutes and recordings of an investigation",
    "date": "2024-05-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81399/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of library cardholder names under FOIA exemption",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Library registration records are confidential under the Library Records Confidentiality Act and exempt from FOIA disclosure under section 7(1)(a).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "List of adult library cardholders",
    "date": "2024-04-25",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81001/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding case records under FOIA section 7(1)(a)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The Public Aid Code prohibits disclosure of public aid records except for purposes directly connected with administering public aid, so the exemption applies.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Personal case file records of a state human services agency",
    "date": "2023-10-17",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-78380/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial based on impoundment order",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must prove a court order prohibits disclosure; an impoundment order on court copies does not bar releasing the agency's own copies.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Communications with a judge about a wrongful death lawsuit",
    "date": "2023-12-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77825/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "In re Appointment of Special Prosecutor, 2019 IL 122949, ¶ 66",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2017%20IL%20App%20(1st)%20161376/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Bowie v. Evanston Community Consolidated School District No. 65, 128 Ill. 2d 373, 378 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-126805/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of entire email under CRTA confidentiality",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must redact exempt information and disclose the rest; it cannot withhold an entire record unless every part is exempt.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An email about cannabis licensing between a department's deputy director and two others",
    "date": "2023-07-19",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-76546/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Government Ass'n v. Blagojevich, 386 Ill. App. 3d 808, 815-16 (4th Dist. 2008)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2216713/better-government-assn-v-blagojevich/"
    },
    {
     "text": "In re Detention of Lieberman, 201 Ill.2d 300, 308 (2002)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "In re Estate of Shelton, 2017 IL 121199, ¶ 43, 89 N.E.3d 391, 402 (2017)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 62084, issued March 31, 2020",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding investigative records under section 7(1)(a)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The Department properly withheld investigative case file materials because no formal complaint or disciplinary order was issued, making the confidentiality provisions applicable.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Disciplinary case files of a state regulatory agency",
    "date": "2023-07-12",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-76415/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 74715, issued January 18, 2023",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 58592, issued June 26, 2019",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of FOIA request for firearms restraining order data",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "ISP properly denied the request because the responsive data is maintained in LEADS, and state law and administrative rules prohibit disclosure of LEADS data to unauthorized parties.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Spreadsheet of firearms restraining order data",
    "date": "2023-04-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-73240/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Government Association v. Zaruba, 2014 IL App (2d) 140071, ¶ 27, 21 N.E.3d 516, 525 (2014)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2014%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20140071/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(a) LEADS data exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body failed to prove the withheld record contained LEADS data or that any specific information derived from LEADS.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An email about an incident log",
    "date": "2023-09-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-70185/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Government Ass'n v. Zaruba, 2014 IL App (2d) 140071",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2014%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20140071/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(a) withholding of LEADS data",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "LEADS data is specifically prohibited from disclosure to unauthorized individuals, including the requester.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An applicant's background check and polygraph records",
    "date": "2024-05-15",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69962/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Gov't Ass'n v. Zaruba, 2014 IL App (2d) 140071, ¶ 27",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2014%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20140071/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(a) withholding of non-LEADS information",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "General information obtained from LEADS and incorporated into an investigative report is not exempt under section 7(1)(a).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An applicant's background check and polygraph records",
    "date": "2024-05-15",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69962/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 34767, issued August 12, 2016, at 6",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Permissible redactions under 7(1)(a), 7(1)(c), 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The public body may redact mental health records, personal information of crime victims, and identities of confidential sources or complainants.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Emails between four individuals over three months",
    "date": "2023-07-18",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69899/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Dillon v. DOJ, 102 F. Supp. 3d 272 (D.C. Cir. 2015)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding ARDC investigation records under Rule 766",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records relating to ARDC investigations are private and confidential under Rule 766 and thus exempt from disclosure under section 7(1)(a) of FOIA.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Complaints and investigative files about a school district's general counsel",
    "date": "2023-01-13",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64820/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Rev. Ltr. 67547",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Bright v. Dicke, 166 Ill. 2d 204, 210 (1995)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "People v. Marker, 233 Ill. 2d 158, 164–65 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois Univ., 176 Ill. 2d 401, 408 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. City of Chicago, 348 Ill. App. 3d 188, 202 (1st Dist. 2004)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Dalan/Jupiter, Inc. ex rel. JRC Midway Marketplace, L.P. v. Draper & Kramer, Inc., 372 Ill. App. 3d 362, 370 (1st Dist.)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding lineup recordings under section 7(1)(a)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 107A-2(k) of the Criminal Code prohibits disclosure of electronic recordings made during a lineup, regardless of whether an independent administrator oversaw the lineup.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
    "date": "2025-12-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding photo array and lineup report under section 7(1)(a)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 107A-2(k) only prohibits disclosure of electronic recordings, not photo arrays or lineup reports, so the Police Department failed to meet its burden.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
    "date": "2025-12-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redactions under FERPA and ISSRA exemptions",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The District failed to prove that all redacted information was exempt under FERPA or ISSRA because some redacted portions could not be linked to a student's identity.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school district's settlement agreement with a student's family",
    "date": "2023-12-15",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58473/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Kibort v. Westrom, 371 Ill. App. 3d 247, 256 (2007)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2-06-0296/"
    },
    {
     "text": "C.G. v. Winslow Township Board of Education, 443 N.J. Super. 415, 428, 128 A.3d 1173, 1181 (N.J Super. Ct. 2015)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "United States v. Miami University, 294 F.3d 797, 824 (6th Cir. 2002)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Bowie v. Evanston Community Consolidated School District No. 65, 128 Ill. 2d 373, 379 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-126805/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(a) exemption based on Federal FOIA",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Federal FOIA does not apply to a state public body, so citing federal exemptions cannot justify withholding under section 7(1)(a).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Death investigation records and police-federal communications",
    "date": "2023-06-05",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57377/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding IRB letters under Medical Studies Act",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The Medical Studies Act protects deliberative peer review materials but not the IRB's findings and corrective actions, which must be disclosed.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An internal investigation into a professor's research and IRB process",
    "date": "2019-02-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-53007/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Gov't Ass'n v. Blagojevich, 386 Ill. App. 3d 808, 816 (4th Dist. 2008)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2216713/better-government-assn-v-blagojevich/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Doe v. Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 297 Ill. App. 3d 240 (1st Dist. 1998)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ardisana v. Northwest Community Hospital, Inc., 342 Ill. App. 3d 741, 747 (1st Dist. 2003)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/3144379/ardisana-v-northwest-community-hospital-inc/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Anderson v. Rush-Copley Medical Center, Inc., 385 Ill. App. 3d 167, 181 (2nd Dist. 2008)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2014229/anderson-v-rush-copley-medical-center-inc/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Green v. Lake Forest Hospital, 355 Ill. App. 3d 134, 138 (2d Dist. 2002)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Grosshuesch v. Edward Hospital, 2017 IL App (2d) 160972, ¶ 15, 83 N.E.3d 1185, 1189 (2017)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Chicago Trust Co. v. Cook County Hospital, 298 Ill. App. 3d 396, 402 (1st Dist. 2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Richter v. Diamond, 108 Ill. 2d 265, 269 (1985)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Nielson v. SwedishAmerican Hospital, 2017 IL App (2d) 160743, ¶ 38, 80 N.E.3d 706, 715 (2017)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Body camera footage withheld under section 7(1)(a)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Supreme Court Rule 63 designates recordings from security cameras monitoring court facilities as circuit court property, so the footage is not subject to FOIA and the Sheriff's Office did not violate FOIA by withholding it.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a courthouse incident",
    "date": "2018-06-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52871/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. S. Ct. R. 63, Appendix",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 407 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Bright v. Dicke, 166 Ill. 2d 204, 210 (1995)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "People v. Marker, 233 Ill. 2d 158, 164-65 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Dalan/Jupiter, Inc. ex rel. JRC Midway Marketplace, L.P. v. Draper & Kramer, Inc., 372 Ill. App. 3d 362, 370 (1st Dist. 2007)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "O'Connell v. St. Francis Hospital, 112 Ill. 2d 273, 281 (1986)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Drury v. McLean County, 89 Ill. 2d 417, 420 (1982)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. Administrative Office of the Courts, 271 Ill. App. 3d 548, 553 (1995)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Notice to remedy not a performance evaluation under FOIA 7(1)(a) and 7.5(q)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A notice to remedy addresses specific misconduct, not a periodic comprehensive performance evaluation, so it is not exempt under PRRA or School Code.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An exhibit to a teacher's notice to remedy resolution",
    "date": "2017-09-13",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-47540/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Better Gov't Ass'n v. Blagojevich, 386 Ill. App. 3d 808, 816 (4th Dist. 2008)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2216713/better-government-assn-v-blagojevich/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12095, issued April 17, 2012",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "111 Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 14-015, issued November 25, 2014",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2014-pac-30785/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7 v. City of Chicago, 2016 IL App (1st) 143884",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2019%20IL%20App%20(1st)%20172796-U/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Wisnasky-Bettorf v. Pierce, 2012 IL 111253",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "People v. Gutman, 2011 IL 110338",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Guillen v. Potomac Insurance Co. of Illinois, 203 Ill. 2d 141, 152 (2003)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Improper denial under section 7(1)(a) and UCC 3-2-5(c)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "To withhold under 7(1)(a), the public body must show the records are specifically prohibited by law; IDOC failed to prove the records were both collected and maintained by the gang intelligence unit.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A corrections department's gang renunciation program records",
    "date": "2017-03-07",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-45170/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Illinois Education Ass'n v. Illinois State Board of Education",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Rockford Police Benevolent and Protective Ass'n, Unit No. 6 v. Morrissey",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2-09-0100/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Better Government Ass'n v. Blagojevich",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "City of Carbondale v. Bower",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "People ex rel. Aramburu v. City of Chicago",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Byung Moo Soh v. Target Marketing Systems, Inc.",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(a) exemption for Medicaid Act confidentiality",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records concerning public aid applicants and recipients are exempt from disclosure when federal law prohibits disclosure except for purposes directly connected with administering the plan.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Public aid assistance records",
    "date": "2016-02-25",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-38676/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  }
 ]
}