FOIA Exemption Review and Redaction Worksheet

Worksheet for reviewers to classify records as responsive, non-responsive, or privileged and document the FOIA exemption basis for each redaction.

Review Identification

• FOIA Request ID
  Enter the internal request or matter identifier.
• Review Date
  Date the record review was completed.
• Reviewer Name
  Name of the person completing the review.
• Review Type
  Select the stage of the disclosure review.

Record Identification

• Record Title or Description
  Use a concise title or description for the record.
• Record Date
  Date associated with the record, if applicable.
• Page, Paragraph, or Segment Reference
  Identify the exact portion reviewed for responsiveness or redaction.
• Record Status
  Classify the record or segment before applying redaction decisions.

Redaction and Exemption Review

• Is a redaction required for this record or segment?
  Select Yes only if information will be withheld or obscured.
• Redaction Reason
  Select all exemptions that apply to the redaction.
• Primary FOIA Exemption
  Choose the primary exemption supporting the redaction.
• Redaction Location
  Identify the exact text, page, or line location being redacted.

Disclosure Decision and Justification

• Disclosure Decision
  Select the final disclosure outcome for the record or segment.
• Justification / Legal Basis
  Provide a concise explanation of the disclosure decision, including the applicable exemption or privilege basis.
• Requires supervisor or legal review?
  Check if the decision should be escalated for approval before release.

Audit Trail and Submission Notes

• Supporting Documents
  Upload any supporting memo, exemption chart, or redaction log.
• Submission Notes
  Optional notes for the audit trail.
• I confirm this submission contains only the minimum necessary information for FOIA review and may be retained in the audit trail.
  Acknowledgment for records management and disclosure workflow.