Major Provisions of 1996 FOIA Amendments
Electronic Record Provisions
- Definition of "record" -- subsection (f) (2)
- Format of disclosure -- subsection (a) (3) (B)
- Electronic searches -- subsections (a) (3) (C) (D)
- Electronic reading room -- subsections (A) (2)-- applies to records created on or after 11/1/96
- Reading room treatment for selected FOIA-disclosed records -- subsections (a) (2) (D) (E)
- Computer redaction/deletion specification -- subsection (b)
Time Limit/Backlog Provisions
- Initial time limit -- subsection (a) (6) (A) (i)
- Multitrack processing -- subsection (a) (6) (D)
- Unusual circumstances -- subsection (a) (6) (B)
- Exceptional circumstances -- subsection (a) (6) (C)
- Expedited processing -- subsection (a) (6) (E)
Reports and Reference Guide
- Annual reports -- subsection (e) -- changed to fical year timetable, as of report for fiscal year 1998, due 2/1/99
- Reference materials and guides -- subsection (g)
Implementation Dates
- General effective date -- 180 days after enactment (3/31/97)
- Effective date for time limit/backlog provisions -- one year after enactment (10/2/97)
- Annual reports -- shift to new fiscal year timetable and new form for FY 1998 report (due 2/1/99)
- Reading room records created on or after 11/1/96 -- must be available electronically as of 11/1/97
- Index of selected FOIA-disclosed records must be on-line by 12/31/99
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