Government watchdogs will get a belated stocking stuffer, effective Tuesday, when it comes to open meetings.

It could have been a full-fledged Christmas present had lawmakers not watered down the legislation’s original language.

House Bill 4687, which takes effect Jan. 1, somewhat strengthens the Illinois Open Meetings Act to require local government meeting agendas to set forth the “general subject matter” of any issue that will be up for a final vote. But just how strong the improvement ends up being may be up to the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.