Senators Leahy and Cornyn recently introduced the FOIA Improvement Act of 2014. This legislation makes several pro-requester improvements.
The legislation:
- Codifies the presumption of openness
- Puts limits on the use of Exemption 5
- Improves OGIS’s ability to report to Congress and the President
- Disallows agencies from using the unusual circumstances excuse to avoid waiving fees. If the agency fails to comply within the extended 10 days, it may not assess search fees.
- And other changes
Cause of Action signed two coalition letters with fifty organizations (organized by OpenTheGovernment.org) in support of FOIA Reform. OpenTheGovernment.Org’s press release can be found here.
FOIA Improvement Act Sign-On Letter 2014-06-19 by Cause of Action
