May 03, 2007

Are Ombuds the Solution to FOIA Disputes?

The current trend in Disclosure Legislation is towards appointing ombuds to mediate disputes between requester and the government agency. Pending federal amendments to the Freedom of Information Act in the House of Representatives would set up an Ombudsman’s Office within the National Archives, while the Senate FOIA amendments would put the Ombudsman’s Office in the Administrative Conference of the United States. Attorney Scott Hodes provides a succinct and thoughtful summary of how ombuds could effect the bureaucracy. (LLRX.com via Handakte WebLAWg.)

(Related post House Panel Approves Bill That Would Create Federal FOIA Ombuds.)

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