OPM Shelves 2008 FOIA Plan: World Changed Too Fast!
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2008 FOIA Proposal Withdrawn
OPM formally withdrew its July 24, 2008 proposed rule to amend FOIA regulations as of March 24, 2026. That means there are no new FOIA rules, costs, or deadlines from this action right now.
Future FOIA Modernization Planned
OPM says it will propose new amendments in the near future to update FOIA regulations and to align with modern submission and processing capabilities and changes such as the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. Those future proposals will be separate rulemakings and are not effective now.
No Significant Effect on Small Entities
OPM certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this withdrawal will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities because the rule applies only to Federal agencies and employees. Small businesses are not covered by this action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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