HB2869 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 14749 AWJ 20102 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB2869

Introduced 2/19/2021, by Rep. Robert Rita

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

50 ILCS 205/25 new

Amends the Local Records Act. Provides that a unit of local government, acting through its governing board, may authorize the use of technology to execute its duties, or assist in the execution of certain portions of public duties, where those technologies utilize commonly accepted methods of data storage and cybersecurity, and the unit of local government otherwise continues adherence to the Local Records Act. Provides that, where applicable law requires accepting information in writing, an appearance before an official in person, or requires a signature, the unit of local government may, in place of those requirements, adopt widely used technologies, such as video chat and secure digital signatures, to verify identity and process service requests. Provides that a unit of local government may also adopt a method of certifying paperless digital copies of any record using PDF file delivery if the unit of local government provides for free on its website an upload tool for any person in recipient of a certified digital file to confirm its authenticity. Requires a unit of local government to provide notice before adopting such procedures. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the At Your Service Act.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning local government, which may be referred to as the At Your Service Act.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Local Records Act is amended by adding Section 25 as follows:

(50 ILCS 205/25 new)

Sec. 25. Use of technology in execution of duties.

(a) A unit of local government, acting through its governing board, may authorize the use of technology to execute its duties, or assist in the execution of certain portions of public duties, where those technologies utilize commonly accepted methods of data storage and cybersecurity, and the unit of local government otherwise continues adherence to this Act.

(b) Where applicable law requires accepting information in writing, an appearance before an official in person, or requires a signature, the unit of local government may, in place of those requirements, adopt widely used technologies, such as video chat and secure digital signatures, to verify identity and process service requests. A unit of local government may also adopt a method of certifying paperless digital copies of any record using PDF file delivery if the unit of local government provides for free on its website an upload tool for any person in recipient of a certified digital file to confirm its authenticity. A unit of local government replacing a previously paper-based process or appearance-required process with a video-supported remote appearance method must publish notice on their website, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the unit of local government if the unit does not have a website, 60 days prior to making such a change, and any addition of such remote processing options in lieu of replacement must follow a 30-day notice published on the unit's website or in the principal office of the unit of local government.