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Enacted in 1966, the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides the public with the right to access many federal records, with nine exemptions or three exclusions. The exemptions are:

(1) classified national defense and foreign relations information,
(2) internal agency rules and practices,
(3) information that is prohibited from disclosure by another law,
(4) trade secrets and other confidential business information,
(5) inter-agency or intra-agency communications that are protected by legal privileges,
(6) information involving matters of personal privacy,
(7) certain information compiled for law enforcement purposes,
(8) information relating to the supervision of financial institutions, and
(9) geological information on wells.
 

The three exclusions relate to especially sensitive law enforcement and national security matters. While anyone can submit a FOIA request, it sometimes helps to consult with an attorney to make sure your request is as effective as possible. And, if the agency delays its response or denies your request, Melanie can help you challenge the delay or denial.​​