June 27, 2014

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives, 98^th General Assembly:

In accordance with Article IV, Section 9(b), of the Illinois Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 3796 from the 98^th General Assembly.

House Bill 3796 is a bill that reduces government transparency by limiting the ability of citizens to seek public records under the Freedom of Information Act.  The bill as proposed would make it more difficult for citizens to obtain a large volume of records. It would also slow down the process for individuals who lack electronic means to request or obtain information.  Such burdens on the public penalize anyone seeking to learn more about their government. 

Accordingly, I must return this bill without my approval.  Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 3796, entitled “AN ACT concerning government.”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor