Bill > B26-0217

This bill amends the District of Columbia's Freedom of Information Act to increase government transparency by making several key changes. The bill modifies existing exemptions to public records disclosure, specifically allowing the release of 911 call audio and transcripts with personal identifying information redacted, and creating an exception to agency communication confidentiality for information about government misconduct. The bill introduces new requirements for agencies to apply a "presumption of openness" when considering records requests, meaning they must now demonstrate that withholding information would cause specific harm and consider releasing information when the potential harm is low and public interest is high. Additionally, the bill establishes that deliberative process privileged information can be disclosed if the public's interest in transparency outweighs the government's desire to keep the information secret. These changes aim to provide greater public access to government records while still protecting sensitive personal information and legitimate government interests, ultimately promoting accountability by making more government communications and decision-making processes potentially viewable by the public.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0217