What can you get with FOIA?

FOIA covers records from all federal regulatory agencies, cabinet and military departments, offices, commissions, government-controlled corporations, the Executive Office of the President, and other organizations of the Executive Branch of the federal government.

Can you FOIA anyone?

Generally any person – United States citizen or not – can make a FOIA request. How do I make a FOIA request? Before making a request, first look to see if the information you are interested in is already publicly available. You can find a lot of useful information on a range of topics on each agency’s website.

What do you need to know about FOIA requests?

You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form). The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data, or answer questions when responding to requests. Who handles FOIA requests? Who handles FOIA requests? – YouTube

Can a fee waiver be granted under FOIA?

Under the FOIA, fee waivers are limited to situations in which a requester can show that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities… Is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request confidential?

What happens when EPA withholds information from FOIA?

When EPA withholds information, it will specify which exemption of FOIA permits the withholding. You should be aware that the FOIA does not require agencies to do research for you, to analyze data, to answer questions, or to create records to respond to a request.

Can a FOIA request be denied by the FCC?

Under the FOIA Exemption 6 and the Privacy Act, the FCC may be prohibited from disclosing information about an individual from a system of records without the written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains. Can the FCC deny my FOIA request? Yes.

What is covered under FOIA?

FOIA covers records from all federal regulatory agencies, cabinet and military departments, offices, commissions, government-controlled corporations, the Executive Office of the President, and other organizations of the Executive Branch of the federal government.

Does the FOIA apply to state law enforcement agencies?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. The FOIA only applies to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local governments.

Who can make a FOIA request?

A FOIA request can be made by any person, including a member of the public (U.S. or foreign citizen/entity), an organization, or a business, but not including Federal Agency or a fugitive from the law. Written requests may be received by postal service or other commercial delivery means, by facsimile,…

What do I include in my FOIA request?

• Your immigration record;
• Another person’s immigration record; or
• or communications.