Freedom of Information Act Procedures
Plain English Summary
Establishes procedures for the public to request government records and defines the exemptions that agencies may invoke.
Full Text
Federal agencies must make records available to the public upon request unless the records fall under one of nine exemptions. Agencies must respond to FOIA requests within 20 business days. Records must be provided in the format requested if reasonably available.
Exemptions protect classified information, internal personnel rules, trade secrets, privileged communications, personal privacy, law enforcement records, financial institution supervision, and geological data. Agencies must conduct a balancing test for certain exemptions and release reasonably segregable portions of otherwise exempt records.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.