Illinois § 15

§ 15.

Electronic records. (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. (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. (Source: P.A. 96-1363, eff. 7-28-10.)