Written by Schoenberg staff Tuesday, 24 May 2011 18:51
"The Freedom of Information Act is an important tool for transparency in local governmental programs but, in this case, I believe protecting the privacy of and access to information about children outweighs those concerns," Senator Schoenberg said. "This protects minors and programs for minors that previously had the potential for their personal information to be available to all members of the public, even sex offenders and pedophiles. This exemption reverses that practice." House Bill 3343 would exempt the names, addresses, and other personal information of participants and registrants in the programs of park districts, forest preserve districts, conservation districts, recreation agencies, and special recreation associations from the inspection and copying requirements of the Act. "This FOIA exemption is supported by the Illinois Press Association and the Illinois Association of Park Districts," Schoenberg said. "Every measure we can put in place to protect children from being preyed upon by those who would do them harm is absolutely necessary." The bill passed in the House in April and now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature. It will take effect immediately.
Assistant Majority Leader Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) secured passage of a bill in the Illinois Senate last week to provide greater protection for children by exempting public disclosure of personal information of minors who are participants and registrants in park district programs.
Senator Schoenberg Menu
9th District
Assistant Majority Leader
Years served: 1990 - 2002 (House); 2003 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Financial Institutions; Appropriations I (Vice-Chairperson); Appropriations II (Vice-Chairperson); Public Health; Revenue; Revenue Subcommittee on Prop. Taxes; Subcommittee on Amendments.
Biography: House of Representatives, six terms, 1990-2002; Senator Schoenberg, his wife, Lynne Sered, and their two children reside in northwest Evanston.