(a) A record created in an electronic format is considered the same as and has the same force and effect as those records not produced by electronic means.
     (b) Nothing in this Act requires any government agency or person to use an electronic record or an electronic signature if doing so could jeopardize the efficient operation of State government.

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Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 20 ILCS 35/15

  • Freedom of Information Act: A federal law that mandates that all the records created and kept by federal agencies in the executive branch of government must be open for public inspection and copying. The only exceptions are those records that fall into one of nine exempted categories listed in the statute. Source: OCC
  • State: when applied to different parts of the United States, may be construed to include the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" may be construed to include the said district and territories. See Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 70/1.14
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.

     (c) Notwithstanding the requirements of this Act, government agencies that obtain, store, or use electronic records shall not refuse to accept hard copy, non-electronic forms and reports, and other paper documents for submission or filing, except as otherwise provided by law or administrative rule.
     (d) Any government agency that uses electronic records shall allow any person or entity to have access to copies of those records as permitted by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) or other applicable law, in paper form in accordance with the fees prescribed by statute.