These pages are intended only to provide general resources on the federal FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT and PRIVACY ACT.

The Freedom of Information Act provides persons with access to information gathered by agencies within the executive branch of government. The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to elected officials or the Federal judiciary.

The Privacy Act of 1974 provides some safeguards against an invasion of privacy through the misuse of records collected by Federal agencies.“In general, the Act allows citizens to learn how records are collected maintained used and disseminated by Federal agencies. That Act permits citizens to most of the personal information maintained by Federal agencies and to seek the amendment or correction of such information.

These Federal Acts does not apply to the disclosure of information gathered by the State government. The “right to know” is preserved to the people of the state of Montana by the Montana Constitution. The principal Montana code that addresses access to government information. Similar to the federal procedure, the individual right to privacy is the primary exception to the requisite disclosure of information in the State of Montana.

The following resources may be of use for further information on the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act:

A Citizen’s Guide on the Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records
(Updated versions of the pamphlet may be available through the U.S. Government Printing Office).

Principal FOIA Contacts at Federal Agencies