FOIA Fix Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2023-12-16T14:35:00Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 488 FOIA Fix Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Government Operations and Politics. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/16/2023, 2:35 PM

Summary of Bill S 488

The FOIA Fix Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 488, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at improving the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The bill seeks to address various issues and challenges that have been identified in the current FOIA system, with the goal of making it easier for the public to access government information.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a centralized online portal for submitting FOIA requests to federal agencies. This portal would streamline the process and make it more efficient for individuals and organizations to request information from the government. Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the timeliness of agency responses to FOIA requests, setting specific deadlines for agencies to respond and providing penalties for non-compliance.

The FOIA Fix Act of 2023 also includes provisions to strengthen oversight and accountability in the FOIA process. The bill requires agencies to report on their FOIA processing activities, including the number of requests received, processed, and denied. It also establishes a FOIA ombudsman to assist requesters in navigating the FOIA process and resolving disputes with agencies. Overall, the FOIA Fix Act of 2023 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government by improving the FOIA process and making it easier for the public to access information. The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that the government remains open and responsive to the needs of the American people.

Congressional Summary of S 488

First Opportunity for Information to Americans Act of 2023 or the FOIA Fix Act of 2023

This bill bars certain foreign nationals and entities from obtaining U.S. government records under the Freedom of Information Act.

The bill specifically prohibits an agency from making records available to specified requesters, including an entity that is a subsidiary of an entity with a principal place of business or headquarters located in China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, or Venezuela.

Further, the bill sets penalties for knowingly assisting, conspiring, or abetting a request for information on behalf of an individual or entity that is prohibited from receiving it.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 488

Bill S 488 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 16, 2023. Bill S 488 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 16, 2023. Bill S 488's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 16, 2023