Freedom of Information Act

Allows all U.S. citizens and residents to request any records in possession of the executive branch of the federal government. The term "records" includes documents, papers, reports, letters, films, photographs, sound recordings, computer tapes and disks. An object that cannot be reproduced is not considered a record in this case. The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers the President's cabinet agencies, independent agencies, regulatory commissions and government-owned corporations. Congress is exempt, as are federal courts and state and local governments. Some states and municipalities have laws modeled after the federal FOIA. The federal act includes nine exemptions that agencies may claim as a basis for withholding information. An administrative appeal can be filed that argues for disclosure based on benefits to the public vs. privacy. If a good argument is made, appellate reviewers may waive an exemption. (FAA3)