Lisa Madigan pitches stronger FOIA law

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' notoriously weak public information law could be in for an overhaul.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has come up with a proposal to strengthen the law that requires government agencies to release public documents.

Her plan includes a rule that if government agencies ignore requests, they give up most of their power to claim that documents should not be made public. She also wants to fines for violators.

Madigan also proposes giving her office new power to investigate violations of the law on public records and open meetings.

The Illinois Municipal League criticizes the changes. It says they would give one official too much power and potentially turn honest mistakes into crimes.