University of Illinois Extension and Rural Partners/Governors Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) will host two educational webinars presented by Christopher Boggs, Christopher Boggs, Deputy Public Access Counselor from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA), from 12:00-1:30 PM CT. All are invited to attend, whether participants are FOIA/OMA “veterans” simply looking for a quick refresher and recent updates, or “newcomers” who wish to learn about the nuts and bolts of PAC’s work and the relevant statute. Chris will provide updated information and tools required to implement this policy at the local level and avoid violations. There will be additional time allotted for Q&A to answer general questions and concerns. These sessions are 90 minutes long. No recording will be available to view later, so registrants are encouraged to attend or send a colleague to attend live.

Thursday, May 16 - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Thursday, May 30 - Open Meetings Act (OMA)

Deputy Public Access Counselor Christopher R. Boggs has been with the Public Access Bureau in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General since September 2012.  Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Boggs served as a Post-Doctoral Legal Fellow in the Office of University Counsel for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Mr. Boggs also previously clerked for the Illinois House Speaker's Office of Special Counsel, The Honorable Joe Billy McDade of the Central District of Illinois, and United States Senator Barack Obama.  Mr. Boggs received his Juris Doctorate, cum laude, and bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.