'Recurrent requesters' would wait longer for info

SPRINGFIELD — People who file piles of requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act would have to wait longer for responses from public bodies under legislation that's cleared the General Assembly.

Government bodies could declare someone a "recurrent requester" for filing more than 50 FOIA requests in a year, 15 in a month or seven in seven days. They could take 21 business days — it's five days for others — to answer.

Media, not-for-profit organizations and academics are exempt.

Opponents say it hampers taxpayers' right to get public information. Gov. Pat Quinn's office did not immediately respond to a question about whether he'll sign the legislation.

The measure allows public bodies to charge fees in some cases for searching for and retrieving records.