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OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS COUNSELOR - INDEX OF OPEN MEETINGS ACT BINDING OPINIONS

This is a reference index of binding Open Meetings Act opinions issued by the Public Access Counselor.

Date issued: August 19, 2025
Case / opinion number: 10-001
Statute(s): 5 ILCS 120
Outcome: Index of opinions

Plain-language summary

This document is not a legal opinion itself, but rather a reference list (index) provided by the Illinois Attorney General's office to help the public find past binding decisions regarding the Open Meetings Act. It serves as a directory for researchers to locate specific rulings issued between 2010 and 2026.

Summary

This is an index of binding Open Meetings Act opinions issued by the Illinois Attorney General through the Office of the Public Access Counselor from 2010 to present, organized by year and opinion number.

Open Meetings ActPAC opinionslegal researchpublic access

Reading view (1,640 words)

This reading view follows the source PDF's positioned text blocks. Page headers, repeated office furniture, and lower-margin notes are kept out of the narrative; source notes are available below. Reconstruction is automatic and imperfect — the PDF is the authoritative version, and it's linked on this page.

AGENDA ATTENDANCE BY MEANS OTHER THAN PHYSICAL PRESENCE

DNoonn»nRPR BR BRWWWD HH >= CLOSED SESSION DISCUSSION CLOSED SESSION PROCEDURE CONVENIENT AND OPEN MEETING PLACE DEFINITIONS FINAL ACTION ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND MINUTES NOTICE OF MEETING OPEN MEETINGS PUBLIC COMMENT PUBLIC RECITAL RECORDING OPEN MEETINGS SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS SUBSIDIARY BODIES VERBATIM RECORDINGS OF CLOSED SESSIONS

SUBJECT MATTER OPINION NUMBER (YEAR)

AGENDA:

Taking Final Action on Matters Not Included in Agenda ................ccccccceesseceeeeceeeeeesssnseeeeeeeeeeeees 13-002 (2013)

Amending Agenda During 48-Hour Posting Period. .................ccccsscccccceecceesssseseeeeeeeeeeeeessssseeeeees 14-003 (2014)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting Agenda...............ccccccccccesssceeeeeeeeeessssssseeeeeeeeeeeees 15-005 (2015)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting AQenda..............:cccccccccccccssssssseeeeeeeeeeessssstsseeeeees 16-015 (2016)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not Sufficiently Identified ON Meeting AGenda ..........cccccccccessssseeeeeeeeeeeeseesssseeeeceeeeeceseessseeeeeeeececeeeessseeeeeeeeeeeeees 19-012 (2019)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting Agenda................cccccccccccesssssseeeeeeeeeeeessssstaeeeeeeees 22-006 (2022)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not Sufficiently Identified ON Meeting AGeOnda ............:ccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeessessneeeeeeeees 22-008 (2022)

Requirement to Provide General Subject Matter of Personnel Discussion of Legal Matters Under the Exception for Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation..................ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeeees 16-007 (2016)

Improper Discussion of Salary Increases for City Employees in a Closed Meeting ................:::ccccccceeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeseennneeeees 16-013 (2016)

Discussion of Legal Matters Under the Exception for Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation...................ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeees 17-004 (2017)' Discussion of the Conduct of a Public Body Member 1 ©] (0S<\-1e Ibs) -\-5-) (0) ee 17-013 (2017)

Improper Discussion of Budget and Layoffs 1 ©] (eS<\-10 Ibs -\-5-) (0) eee 18-012 (2018)

Discussion of the Duties and Salaries of Elected Officials 1 ©] (0S<\-1e Ibs) -\-5-) (0) ee 18-015 (2018)

Discussion of the Process for Evaluating an Employee 1 ©] (0S<\-1e Ibs) -\-5-) (0) ee 20-004 (2020)

Improper Discussion of Matters Under the Exception for Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation..................ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 21-003 (2021)

Public Body Violated OMA by Requiring Public Comment Failure to Cite Closed Session Exception ...............::::cccceceeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeenneaeeeeeeeeeeeseesenneeeees 15-005 (2015)

Failure to Cite an Applicable Exception Before Closing a Meeting to the PUDIIC 0.0.0... cece e cece cece etter teeter reer reer reer rere reer etre eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 15-007 (2015)

Requirement to Recite and Record Basis for Finding that Litigation is Probable or IMMINENE .......... eee e cece cece eee e cette eee ee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 21-003 (2021)

Duty to Make Verbatim Recording of Closed Session Of Committee MeetingS.......... 2... ceeeeccceececeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeccaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeteees 21-006 (2021)

Failure to Cite an Applicable Exemption Before Closing a Meetings to the PUDIIC 2000... eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 22-010 (2022)

Taking Final Action in Closed SeSSION................:::cccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeceaaaeeeeeeeeeeesecensnneeeeeeess 23-014 (2023)

CONVENIENT AND OPEN MEETING PLACE:

Meeting at Private Residence is Not Convenient and Open to the PUDIIC ..............ceeceeecceee cece eee eeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaeeeeeeeeeeeseseeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeee 12-008 (2012)

A Public Body’s Special Meeting Held Approximately 26 Miles from its Ordinary Meeting Location is Not “Convenient and Open”

Duty to Inform the Public of the Nature of the Business Under Consideration Prior to Taking Final ACtion 2.0.0.0... c ce eeeeeseseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 13-016 (2013)

Failure to Sufficiently Inform the Public of the Business Being Conducted before Taking Final Action ................ccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeenseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaas 14-001 (2014)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting Agenda ..............ccccccccceeeceeessseseeeeeeeeeeeeessaeeeeeeees 15-005 (2015)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting Agenda... cee eeesseeeeeeeeeeeeereaeeeeeeeeeeee 16-015 (2016)

Public Recital of the Nature of the Matter Under Consideration Prior to Taking Final ACtion............:ccccceeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeseeseeeeessesaeeesesesseeeseeeeeeeeseeneaes 19-004 (2019)

Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting Agenda................ccccccceececesssseeeeeeeeeeeeseesesaaeeeeeees 22-006 (2022)

Taking Final Action in Closed [email protected] cece eeeeeesnaeeeeeeeeeeseeeesaaaeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeaaeaeeeees 23-014 (2023)

Taking Final Action in Closed SeSSION..............c cc eeeceeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesaeaeeeeeeeeeeeeseeaaeeeeeeeeeeees 24-003 (2024)

Obligation to Identify Applicant for Public Office Before Voting on Appointment..................... 25-009 (2025)° ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND:

N/A MINUTES:

Summary of Discussion Required in Minutes .0........... cece e cece eee ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeaaaaeeeeeeeeeees 13-007 (2013)® Requirement to Record and Enter Into Closed Meeting Minutes Basis for Finding that Litigation is Probable or IMMInent..............::ceceeeeeeeeeee tees tence ee eeeeeeeeeeeesaeeeeesesaeeeeeseseeeeeesesseaeeeeees 13-008 (2013)

Duty to Approve Meeting Minutes Within Time Taking Final Action at Closed Session Prohibited .....................c:0:cssesssssssssssssssssssssssesseesssseeseeees 13-003 (2013)

Secret Ballots Prohibited...............eceecccccccceccesssssseeeeeeeceeecessssaaeeeececececeeeeeaseeeeeeeeeeeeestsssaeeeeeeeeeees 13-006 (2013)

Taking Final Action at Closed Session Prohibited;

Summary of Discussion Required in Minutes ...................cccceesssseeeeeeeceeeesessseeeeeeeeeeeeens 13-007 (2013)

Requirement to Publicly Recite Nature of Matter Being Considered and Other Information to Adequately Inform the Public of the Business Being Conducted Before Taking Final Action. ................:cccccccsesssteeeeeeees 13-010 (2013)

Improper Private Meeting, ........ ccc cccccccccc cece cece cece cece cece cece cece eee eee EEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeess 23-003 (2023)

Improper Private Meeting. ..............ccccccccssesseecececcceeceseessssecceccceeceuaaensececeeceeeeeeaaaeseeeseeeeeeeeeuannseeess 25-011 (2025)

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Information Required of Speakers Wishing to Provide Public COMMEN ............cccceececceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeseceeeeeesceaeeeseceeseeeeesessaaeeseeesseeeseeseas 14-009 (2014)

Rules for Public COMMEN .............:ccceceeeecceeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeesceeseeeeesesaaeeeecssssueeeeessaaees 14-012 (2014)

Right to Record an Open Meeting ..............::ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenneeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeaees 16-014 (2016)

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS:

Notice of a Change in Regular Meeting Dates.................cccccecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenees 24-013 (2024)

SUBSIDIARY BODIES:

Informal Committee of City is Subsidiary Body ..............ccccccccececeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseessenteeeeeeees 25-007 (2025)

VERBATIM RECORDINGS OF CLOSED SESSIONS:

Requirement to Record Closed SeSSIONS ...............ccccceeecceeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaees 12-013 (2012)

Duty to Record Closed Meetings .............:::cccccceeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaes 13-007 (2013)

Notes from the original PDF (7)

2010 - 10-001 through 10-004 2016 - 16-001 through 16-015 2022 - 22-001 through 22-013 2011 - 11-001 through 11-007 2017 - 17-001 through 17-015 2023 - 23-001 through 23-017 2012 - 12-001 through 12-015 2018 - 18-001 through 18-018 2024 - 24-001 through 24-016 2013 - 13-001 through 13-018 2019 - 19-001 through 19-013 2025 - 25-001 through 25-016 2014 - 14-001 through 14-016 2020 - 20-001 through 20-010 2026 - 26-001 through 26-005 2015 - 15-001 through 15-015 2021 - 21-001 through 21-012 This document is a comprehensive index of binding opinions issued by the Attorney General through the Office of the Public Access Counselor from 2010 through the present. Please note that an opinion may have been superseded by statute or case law. You should, therefore, review each opinion upon which you would rely in consultation with an attorney familiar with Illinois law. The opinions cited in this index are available in PDF format on this website. If you do not find an opinion on an issue with which you are concerned, feel free to contact the Public Access Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General (877-299-3642) to inquire regarding the existence of additional records.
Transactions On Meeting AGenda..............ccccccccccsssssseeeeeeeeeecesseseseeeeeeeeeeeessssseeeeeeeeeeees 23-004 (2023) Taking Final Action on Matter Not on Meeting AQenda..................0::0ceseeeeeeeeeeeseseseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 24-007 (2024) Taking Final Action on Matter Not Sufficiently Identified ON Meeting AGenda ...........ccccccccccccessssssseeeeeceececceseseseeeeeeeececceessseeeeeeeeeeeceesestaeeeeeeeeeeees 26-005 (2026) ATTENDANCE BY MEANS OTHER THAN PHYSICAL PRESENCE: Requirement for the Public to Contemporaneously Hear All Discussion, Testimony, and Roll Call Votes in a Meeting Held Remotely Pursuant to a Public Health EMergency ............:cccccccccccessssseeeeeeeeeeesessseseeseeeeeeeeeeseeaaes 20-007 (2020) Proper Remote Meeting During a Public Health Emergency .............cccccccccccccceeeeceeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeees 21-011 (2021) Improper Remote Meeting During a Public Health EMergency.............ccccccccccccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 22-003 (2022) Improper Remote Meetings During a Public Health EMergency.............cccccccccccccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 22-007 (2022) Attendance by Means Other Than Physical Presence Because of Employment Purpose ...............cccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseseeeeeeseeeeeeseeeeeess 24-007 (2024) CLOSED SESSION DISCUSSION: Improper Discussion in Closed Session of Budgetary Matters ........e i cccccceecccceeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeceaaeeeeeeeeeeeesseseteeeeeeeees 12-011 (2012) Improper Discussion of Proposed Ordinance in Closed Session; Requirement to Recite and Record Basis for Finding that Litigation is Probable or Imminent.......... 12-013 (2012) Improper Discussion of Financial Matters and Disposal of Property in a Closed Meeting. ...................ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 15-003 (2015)
to be Provided to Board in Closed Session ...............:::c:cccceeeeeeeeeeeeenceeeeeeeeeeeeeeesenneeeees 21-009 (2021) Discussion of the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, or Performance of Specific Employees in Closed Session .............::::::ccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 22-010 (2022) Improper Discussion of Bids for a Student Transportation Contract in Closed SESSION .............::cccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaeeeeeeeeeeseseeeennaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaas 22-010 (2022) Improper Closed Session Discussion of New School Under the Exception for Purchasing or Leasing Real Property ...............:::ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeees 22-012 (2022) Improper Closed Session Discussion of Various Topics Under the Exception for Setting the Price For Sale or Lease of Real Property ...............:::::::ee 23-005 (2023) Improper Closed Session Discussion of Removing Book From Curriculum...............2::::000ee 23-016 (2023) Improper Closed Session Discussion of Overdue LOANS................ccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesnteeeeeeees 26-003 (2026) Improper Closed Session Discussion of City Hall Building Under the Exception for Purchasing or Leasing Real Property ................::c:cccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseennees 26-004 (2026) CLOSED SESSION PROCEDURE: Improper Discussion of Proposed Ordinance in Closed Session; Requirement to Recite and Record Basis for Finding that Litigation is Probable or Imminent.......... 12-013 (2012) ‘Binding opinion 17-004 was overturned on administrative review on July 15, 2019. On appeal, the Appellate Court, Fourth District, reversed the circuit court’s judgment and affirmed the Attorney General’s Binding Opinion. See City of Bloomington v. Raoul, 2021 IL App (4th) 190539.
to the PUDIIC.............eccccccceceeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeaeeeeeseceaeeeeeeecaaeeeesseceeeeeseseeeeeesseneeees 13-014 (2013) Duty to Make Meetings Convenient and Open to the PUublic.................cccccceceeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 24-010 (2024) DEFINITIONS: "CONVENICNL” ........eeeceeeecccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeceeaaeeeeeeeeeeeseeeecaeeeeeeeeeeeeeseecieeeeeeseeeeeees 12-008 (2012) "CONVENICNL” ........eeeceeeecccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeceeaaeeeeeeeeeeeseeeecaeeeeeeeeeeeeeseecieeeeeeseeeeeees 13-014 (2013) a ©) 0) 1 0 eee 12-008 (2012) a ©) 0) 1 0 eee 13-014 (2013) "Committee of the Whole” ...............:cccccceeeeeeeeeecneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeececeaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecneeeeeeeeeeeeees 20-001 (2020) “Meeting”... ee eeeeeccceeececceeeeeeeeceeeeeeeaeeeeeeceeaeeeeeseaaeeeeeseaeeeseeseaaeeeesescaeeeeseeceeeeeeseeeeeeessesieeeeeeseaes 23-003 (2023) FINAL ACTION: Taking Final Action at Closed Session Prohibited ..................cccccccecceeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeess 12-013 (2012) Taking Final Action at Closed Session Prohibited .................cccccccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseneeeeeeees 13-003 (2013) Secret Ballots Prohibited ...............cccccccceeeceeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeees 13-006 (2013) Overturned in other parts by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343.
Period Specified by OMA .............:ccccccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeaeeaeeaeaeeeeaeaaas 20-001 (2020) NOTICE OF MEETING: Notice of Remote Meeting During a Public Health Emergency..................cccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 22-003 (2022) Notice of Remote Meetings During a Public Health Emergency ..................ccccccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 22-007 (2022) 3Overturned in part by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343. ‘Overturned by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343. 5The public body filed for administrative review of this opinion. Village of Sauk Village v. Office of the Illinois Attorney General, No. 2025CH08604 (Cir. Ct. Cook Co., filed August 19, 2025). Overturned in other parts by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343.
"Established" and Recorded Rules for Public CoMMent...................cceceeccceeeeeeeeeseeetteeeeeeeeeeeeeees 19-002 (2019) Right to Address Public Officials at a Public Meeting ................ ccc cecccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesseseaaees 19-009 (2019) Duty to Provide Opportunity for Public Comment in Open Session ...............:ccccceccesseeeeeessseeeees 21-009 (2021) Restriction on Public Comment is Limited to Established and Recorded Rules Governing Public COMMeNt ................ccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 23-013 (2023) Rules for Public Comment; Opportunity to Address Public Officials .................cccccsscccceeeeeeeeeenes 26-001 (2026) PUBLIC RECITAL: Requirement to Publicly Recite Nature of Matter Being Considered and Other Information to Adequately Inform the Public of the Business Being Conducted Before Taking Final Action. ...............:ccccccccceeessseeeeeeees 13-010 (2013) Duty to Inform the Public of the Nature of the Business Under Consideration Prior to Taking Final ACtion ...............cccccccccssssssceeeeceececesssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeas 13-016 (2013) Failure to Sufficiently Inform the Public of the Business Being Conducted before Taking Final Action...............ccccccccccccccssssssseeeceeeeceesesssssseeeeeeeeeeeenenaas 14-001 (2014)’ Public Recital of the Nature of the Matter Under Consideration Prior to Taking Final ACtion...............ccccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeseeessseseseeeeeeesseeeeeees 19-004 (2019) 7Overturned by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343.
8The public body filed for administrative review of this opinion. Village of Sauk Village v. Office of the Illinois Attorney General, No. 2025CH08604 (Cir. Ct. Cook Co., filed August 19, 2025). Overturned in other parts by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343.