MDDC to Assist District of Columbia in FOIA Training

Washington D.C. government has created a Freedom of Information Act Committee to train District employees on FOIA procedures, and the MDDC Press Association has agreed to assist the committee in establishing the training program.

Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced the initiative at a March 8 press conference at which MDDC Executive Director Jim Donahue briefly described the association’s involvement in FOI training sessions in Maryland and promised to work similarly with the District.

Also participating in the press conference was Council Member Kathy Patterson, sponsor of legislation that amends the District’s FOIA to provide greater access to information. Her measure was approved by the District Council, signed by the mayor and will become law on April 24.

The legislation expands the law to cover electronic records consistent with amendments to federal law, extends FOIA coverage to private contractors that peform government functions, and expressly includes the council under FOIA coverage.