Government Transparency Boost: Narrowing Trade Secret Exemptions in FOIA.
This Act increases government transparency by making it harder to withhold commercial and financial information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It strictly defines "confidential" information, requiring proof that disclosure would likely cause substantial competitive harm to the business involved. Citizens benefit from easier access to government records, strengthening public oversight.
Key points
Limits the ability of government agencies to hide business and financial information using the trade secret exemption.
Requires that information deemed confidential must pose a substantial threat of competitive harm to the company if disclosed.
Prevents agencies from withholding entire documents if only a portion is deemed non-responsive, ensuring citizens receive more complete answers to their requests.
Expired
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