Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA is the State Freedom of Information Act ("the Act") (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), under which certain public records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to section 2(c) of the Act (5 ILCS 140/2(c)), a public record is any record, report, form, writing, letter, memoranda, book, paper, map, photograph, card, tape, recording, electronic data processing record, electronic communication, recorded information, and all other documentary material pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body.

Some records are, however, not subject to release via the FOIA process; these types of records are described under section 7 of the Act (5 ILCS 140/7). Some records may also be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other state or federal statutes or court orders. The FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supersede these other applicable statutory and judicial mandates.

You may submit a written request to the Department's FOIA Officer by means of US mail, or e-mail. A written request will ensure proper compliance with the requirements of the FOIA.

Requests can be sent by email to: DOL.FOIA@illinois.gov

Or by mail to:

Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
Legal Division
Illinois Department of Labor
115 S. LaSalle St, Suite 37th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603

IDOL's Freedom of Information Act Officers are:

• Stephanie Barton
• Sean Imburgia
• Deborah (Dee) Baker

This website information concerning the FOIA is being provided as required by Section 4 of the Act (5 ILCS 140/4). This website information may be revised and/or updated in the future.​

• See the law, 5 ILCS 140/1-11 (Legislative Website) PA 104-0438
• Administrative Code, 2 Ill. Adm Code 1400 (Legislative Website)​
• Sample FOIA Request
  

The first 50 pages of black and white, legal or letter sized paper copies of records requested are free. Anything that surpasses 50 pages is generally 15 cents per page. If, for some reason, copies of paper records are provided to a requester that is not on black and white, legal or letter sized paper, the Department will charge a fee that will not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

For more information on the guidelines used to charge fees related to FOIA, please see Section 6 of the Act.

Certain records of our office are available immediately and links to those records are below:

Illinois Department of Labor Reports

Certified Transcripts of Payroll

Open Data Portal - IDOL

Mission

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) protects and promotes the wages, welfare, working conditions, and safety of Illinois workers by enforcing State labor and employment laws, providing compliance assistance to employers, and increasing public awareness of workplace protections. Through enforcement, education, and community partnerships, the Department works to ensure that workers are paid what they are owed and that employers who follow the law remain competitive.

Overview

IDOL has an operating budget of approximately $30 million. There are approximately 125 fulltime employees across three offices in Chicago, Marion, and Springfield. IDOL administers the Labor Advisory Board and the Amusement Ride & Attraction Safety Board.

Office Locations