Bill > HR5977

This bill, the Sensible Classification Act of 2023, aims to improve the classification and declassification of national security information. It proposes several key provisions: 1. Limits the authority to classify information originally to the President, Vice President, and designated agency heads or officials. It also requires training on proper safeguarding and handling of classified information for those delegated classification authority. 2. Requires agencies to review and process for declassification any classified records that are more than 25 years old when responding to Freedom of Information Act or mandatory declassification review requests. 3. Mandates training for agency employees with classification authority to discourage over-classification and promote "sensible classification" - the minimum level necessary to protect national security. 4. Strengthens the Public Interest Declassification Board by allowing members to continue serving until their successors are appointed and allowing the Board to hire additional staff. 5. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to research and recommend a technology-based solution using machine learning and artificial intelligence to support efficient and effective classification and declassification processes across the federal government. 6. Requires various agencies to study and report on the necessity of security clearances and the number of personnel with access to classified information, including Top Secret, Secret, sensitive compartmented information, and special access programs. The overall goal of the bill is to reform the classification system, limit unnecessary access to classified information, and improve transparency while still protecting national security.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5977/all-info