Improving Agency Disclosure of Information

2005-12-19Executive Order 13392
Signed by: George W. Bush
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Headline: Agencies Required to Improve Public Access to Government Records

What it does: Agencies must designate Chief FOIA Officers, establish requester service centers, review FOIA practices, and create plans to reduce backlogs.

Real World Impact:
  • Creates senior FOIA officer positions across federal agencies to oversee requests.
  • Requires agencies to set up service centers and public liaisons for requesters.
  • Forces agencies to review operations, report plans, and work to reduce backlogs.
Topics: freedom of information, government transparency, agency management, public records, records access

Summary

This order requires federal agencies to improve how they share information with the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Agencies must name a senior Chief FOIA Officer, set up FOIA Requester Service Centers and public liaisons, review FOIA practices, and make agency-specific plans to reduce backlogs and improve processing.

The order affects federal agencies, agency staff handling requests, and people who ask for government records. It also directs agency heads to report results to the Attorney General and the Office of Management and Budget.

The goal is to increase transparency, speed responses, and reduce disputes over public access to records.

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