Search Results for keywords:"Freedom of Information Act"

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is proposing updates to its regulations for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. These changes aim to incorporate amendments from the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, align with Department of Justice guidance, and improve public understanding and usability of the rules. Additionally, the updated rules are designed to better represent CEQ's current policies and practices, and include reorganizing and renaming sections for simplicity. Importantly, these proposals reflect CEQ's dedication to open information sharing while ensuring personal data is managed properly under the Privacy Act.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has finalized changes to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to align with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These updates aim to make procedures for accessing information more accessible and clearly outlined for public understanding. The new rule reorganizes SSA's FOIA guidelines, clarifies terms like "commercial interest," and provides extensive details on processing requests, fees, and exemptions. The SSA hopes these changes will improve transparency and efficiency for both the agency and the public.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) announced that the Office of Government Information Services will hold a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee meeting on March 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon EST. The meeting will be held virtually, and participants need to register by March 4, 2025. During the meeting, the committee will hear reports and consider recommendations from the subcommittees focused on Implementation, Statutory Reform, and Volume and Frequency. The public can attend the meeting online after registering and may offer three-minute oral comments if they register in advance.

The National Archives and Records Administration is holding a virtual Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee meeting on March 3, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST. Participants need to register by February 28, 2021, to attend. The meeting will feature a presentation on accessing records in the legislative and judicial branches, along with updates from four subcommittees focused on Classification, Legislation, Process, and Technology. Interested parties can register online and access more information through provided links and contacts.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has finalized new regulations for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act, reflecting updates from the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These revisions aim to make the regulations easier to understand and use, improving public access to government records and information. The final rules also incorporated public feedback, with changes ensuring transparency and a presumption of openness while also addressing how requests and appeals are processed. Additionally, the CEQ has updated administrative procedures, including the handling of fees and how appeals are managed, to align with current policies and practices.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting public feedback on renewing the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for collecting information titled "Public Records." This collection involves NRC Forms 507 and 509 used in its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The NRC is updating these forms to notify requesters about processing fees and other aspects related to FOIA requests. Comments should be submitted by March 9, 2021, and can be sent electronically or by mail to the addresses provided.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a proposal to renew an information collection activity under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This activity gathers bird count data for over 600 North American bird species, which helps in assessing bird populations and trends. Public comments on this collection are invited until March 10, 2025, and individuals who choose to participate in submitting data do so voluntarily. The USGS protects any proprietary information provided and estimates that responding will take about 11 hours on average per submission.

The Department of Education is seeking public comments on the extension of an existing information collection related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The purpose of this collection is to verify the identity of individuals requesting personal records, ensuring accurate and timely processing of these requests. The department is particularly interested in feedback on whether this process is necessary, how it might be improved, and ways to reduce the burden on respondents. The deadline for submitting comments is March 12, 2021.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated its Statement of Organization for the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This update clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the OGC, including the addition of their participation in the Inter-Agency False Claims Act Working Group. Key components such as the Mission, Organization, and Functions of the OGC are detailed, emphasizing the legal services provided to the Secretary and other parts of the department. The revised document also outlines how it nullifies all previous statements of organization.