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H 3161

FOIA exemptions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Rutherford

H 3161 - FOIA Exemptions OverviewBill Number: H 3161 Title: FOIA Exemptions Status: Scrivener's error corrected Introduced: February 27, 2025 Purpose and IntentThe purpose of H

Scrivener's error corrected
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Bill Summary · H 3161

H 3161 - FOIA Exemptions

Overview

Bill Number: H 3161
Title: FOIA Exemptions
Status: Scrivener's error corrected
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of H 3161 is to expand the types of government records that can be exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill aims to protect certain sensitive information from public release in order to safeguard national security, personal privacy, and the deliberative processes of government.

Key Provisions

  • Adds new exemptions for records related to:
    • Ongoing law enforcement investigations
    • Cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
    • Trade secrets and confidential business information
    • Internal policy deliberations and decision-making
  • Allows agencies to withhold records if disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause "significant harm"
  • Requires agencies to consider the public interest in disclosure when applying exemptions
  • Provides for expedited processing of FOIA requests in certain cases

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Government agencies will have broader authority to withhold records from public disclosure
  • Journalists, researchers, and the general public may face greater difficulty accessing certain government information
  • Businesses that provide information to the government could benefit from increased protections for trade secrets and confidential data
  • Individuals whose personal information is held by the government may see improved privacy protections

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 3161 was introduced in the House on February 27, 2025 and has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform. The bill must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law. If enacted, the new FOIA exemptions would take effect 90 days after the bill's passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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