New FOIA Legislation

Congress recently enacted new legislation updating and amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 was signed into law by the President on June 30, 2016. The new Act codifies a “presumption of openness,” requires disclosure in electronic format, limits exemptions, and strengthens the Office of Government Information Services.

A statement from the White House released on June 30th discusses the signing of the Act and other steps to improve openness involving the Chief FOIA Officers Council and the FOIA Advisory Committee. The Council is set to develop a policy to support the mandate that a “release to one is a release to all.” The Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Justice, and other agencies will work together to develop new guidance and a consolidated FOIA request portal to launch in 2017.

Looking for more information on the original FOIA or the process of passing this new legislation? Check out our Legislative History Guide to learn how.