What does the Illinois Open Meetings Act require?

The Illinois Open Meetings Act mandates that meetings of public bodies must be open to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations. This principle supports the idea that citizens have the right to be informed about the decision-making processes that affect their lives. By requiring these meetings to be accessible, the Act promotes civic engagement and allows for public scrutiny, which is fundamental in a democratic society.

This requirement is specifically designed to prevent any clandestine decision-making by public officials, thereby fostering an environment where the public can actively participate and hold their representatives accountable. The Act also provides guidelines on how meetings should be conducted and the notice that must be given to the public, reinforcing the commitment to open governance.

The other options highlight misunderstandings of the Act's purpose. For instance, closing legislative votes to the public contradicts the spirit of transparency that the Act upholds. Likewise, restricting membership in public bodies or maintaining confidentiality of all documents would undermine public access and accountability, which are central tenets of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.