US SB337 | 2015-2016 | 114th Congress

Status

Completed Legislative Action
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: Passed on June 30 2016 - 100% progression
Action: 2016-06-30 - Became Public Law No: 114-185. (TXT | PDF)
Text: Latest bill text (Enrolled) [PDF]

Summary

FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to: require federal agencies to make their disclosable records and documents available for public inspection in an electronic format; require agencies to make available for inspection in an electronic format records that have been requested three or more times (frequently requested records); prohibit an agency from charging a fee for providing records if the agency misses a deadline for complying with an FOIA request unless unusual circumstances apply and more than 5,000 pages are necessary to respond to the request; prohibit an agency from withholding information requested under FOIA unless the agency reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption or disclosure is prohibited by law (presumption of openness); limit the FOIA exemption for agency communications to allow the disclosure of agency records created 25 years or more before the date of a FOIA request; require the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) to offer mediation services to resolve disputes between agencies and FOIA requesters; expand the authority and duties of the Chief FOIA Officer of each agency to require officers to serve as the primary agency liaison with OGIS and the Office of Information Policy; establish a Chief FOIA Officers Council to develop recommendations for increasing compliance and efficiency in responding to FOIA requests, disseminating information about agency experiences, identifying, developing, and coordinating initiatives to increase transparency and compliance, and promoting performance measures to ensure agency compliance with FOIA requirements; and require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the operation of a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of the public to submit a request for records to any agency from a single website. (Sec. 3) The head of each agency (i.e., each authority of the U.S. government, excluding the Congress, U.S. courts, governments of U.S. territories and possessions, and the government of the District of Columbia) is required to: (1) review agency regulations and issue regulations on procedures for disclosure of records in accordance with the amendments made by this bill, and (2) include in such regulations procedures for engaging in dispute resolution through the FOIA Public Liaison and OGIS. (Sec. 4) The program for the efficient management of federal agency records is expanded to require agency heads to establish procedures for: (1) identifying records of general interest or use to the public that are appropriate for public disclosure, and (2) posting such records in a publicly-accessible electronic format. (Sec. 5) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill. (Sec. 6) This bill shall take effect on its enactment date and shall apply to all FOIA requests for records made after its enactment date.

Tracking Information

Register now for our free OneVote public service or GAITS Pro trial account and you can begin tracking this and other legislation, all driven by the real-time data of the LegiScan API. Providing tools allowing you to research pending legislation, stay informed with email alerts, content feeds, and share dynamic reports. Use our new PolitiCorps to join with friends and collegaues to monitor & discuss bills through the process.

Monitor Legislation or view this same bill number from multiple sessions or take advantage of our national legislative search.

Title

FOIA Improvement Act of 2016

Sponsors


History

DateChamberAction
2016-06-30HouseBecame Public Law No: 114-185. (TXT | PDF)
2016-06-30HouseSigned by President.
2016-06-22HousePresented to President.
2016-06-13HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2016-06-13HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3714-3716)
2016-06-13HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 337.
2016-06-13HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3714-3719)
2016-06-13HouseMr. Meadows moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2016-03-16HouseHeld at the desk.
2016-03-16HouseReceived in the House.
2016-03-16SenateMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
2016-03-15SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
2016-03-15SenateS.Amdt.3452 Amendment SA 3452 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
2016-03-15SenateS.Amdt.3452 Amendment SA 3452 proposed by Senator Cornyn. (consideration: CR S1496)
2016-03-15SenateMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S1494-1496)
2015-02-23SenateBy Senator Grassley from Committee on the Judiciary filed written report. Report No. 114-4. Additional views filed.
2015-02-09SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 17.
2015-02-09SenateCommittee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley without amendment. Without written report.
2015-02-05SenateCommittee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
2015-02-02SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S699-701)

Same As/Similar To

HB653 (Related) 2016-01-12 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Subjects


US Congress State Sources


Bill Comments

feedback