The US State of Illinois has just beefed up its Freedom of Information legislation. Since January 1st 2010 the government and a variety of other public bodies is subject to improved regulations all aimed at increasing the transparency in government, including the way public funds are spent.

The Plainfield News tested out the response by sending many dozens of requests to local administrations asking a wide variety of FOIA questions. One of the very best responses they got was from the town of Joliet which answered by email a short 16 minutes after the request had been sent. Part of the revisal to the existing law allows both requests and answers by email.

Encouraging news indeed to those who advocate improvements to FOI regimes worldwide.