Illinois meeting minutes requirements for local government boards
Under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2.06), every public body must keep written minutes of all meetings, open or closed, with the date, time and place, members present and absent, a summary of discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated or decided, and a record of any votes taken. Closed sessions must also be recorded verbatim.
Last updated October 11, 2026. General information, not legal advice; confirm with your solicitor.
| Law | Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120 |
|---|---|
| Required in minutes (2.06(a)) | Date, time and place; members present and absent (and whether present physically or remotely); summary of discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated or decided; record of any votes taken |
| Deadlines (2.06(b)) | Approve within 30 days or by the second subsequent regular meeting, whichever is later; make available, and post on the website where one is maintained, within 10 days after approval, for at least 60 days |
| Closed sessions | Verbatim audio or video recording required, plus closed session minutes; review closed minutes at least every six months; verbatim recordings may be destroyed no sooner than 18 months after the meeting, with approval |
| Recording open meetings | Anyone may record open meetings (2.05) |
Practical guidance
- Calendar the 30-day approval deadline and the 10-day posting deadline after approval.
- Keep closed session recordings for at least 18 months.
Sources
Related: recording roll-call votes, free minutes templates.
Minutes in Illinois format, drafted from your recording.
Upload a recording of your last meeting and get draft minutes that follow these requirements. Free, no credit card.