WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation into law making it easier for the public to obtain government records.
Federal agencies will now be required to consider releasing records under a "presumption of openness" standard, instead of presuming that the information is secret.
Supporters say the shift will make it harder for agencies to block the release of government information.
The law aims to reduce the number of exemptions the government uses to withhold information.
An online portal will be created for individuals to submit document requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Agencies currently handle requests in different ways.
The law also places a 25-year sunset on the government's ability to withhold documents that demonstrate how the government reaches decisions.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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