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Classification Reform Act: Increased Transparency and Faster Declassification of Government Records.

This Act establishes stricter standards for classifying government information, requiring that the public interest in disclosure be weighed against national security harm. It mandates automatic declassification for most records after 25 years, significantly reducing overclassification. This reform provides citizens with faster access to historical and governmental records, enhancing government accountability and transparency.
Key points
New Classification Standard: Information can only be classified if the harm to national security clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
25-Year Rule: Most classified information must be automatically declassified after 25 years; indefinite classification is prohibited.
Accountability: Classification is explicitly forbidden to conceal legal violations, inefficiency, or administrative error.
New Oversight: Establishes an Executive Agent to modernize and automate the declassification process across federal agencies.
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Status: Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1541
Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Process start date: 2023-05-10