Office of Information Policy Announced FOIA Training Dates

The Justice Department has released the schedule for Freedom of Information Act training sessions throughout fiscal year 2027.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Government

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a metal seal and stacked parchment sheets, representing federal FOIA training and administrative procedure. — The Department of Justice Office of Information Policy has released its schedule of Freedom of Information Act training sessions for fiscal year 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should government agencies prioritize mandatory training for staff who handle public records requests?

The Office of Information Policy has unveiled its lineup of Freedom of Information Act training sessions for fiscal year 2027. These courses are designed to help government employees and contractors ensure agency compliance with federal transparency laws.

Why it matters

Regular training sessions are critical for maintaining agency adherence to the Freedom of Information Act. By providing structured instruction, the office ensures that government personnel remain current on the legal requirements for processing public records requests.

The office has scheduled specialized sessions throughout the fiscal year, including a unique Sunshine Week hybrid bootcamp from March 8 to March 10, 2027. Registration for these courses typically opens one month before each event via WebEx.

The players

Office of Information Policy

This government body oversees the administration and training requirements for the Freedom of Information Act across federal agencies.

The details

The program includes specialized instruction on topics such as litigation, procedural requirements, and fee waivers to support staff proficiency. Government employees and contractors must register individually using their government email addresses to participate.

October 20, 2026: Introduction to the Freedom of Information Act training.
January 13, 2027: Litigation Training.
March 8-10, 2027: Sunshine Week hybrid FOIA training bootcamp.
June 2, 2027: Procedural Requirements and Fee Waivers Training.
June 30, 2027: Advanced FOIA Training.

Political Context

Opponents of expanded executive transparency often argue that rigorous training requirements impose undue administrative burdens on agency staff. Others contend that without these mandatory sessions, agencies lack the necessary consistency to handle complex public records requests effectively.

Government employees and contractors should note that training registration occurs exactly one month prior to each event. Access to these professional development opportunities is restricted to those using valid government email addresses on the WebEx platform.

The takeaway

Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of transparency laws is an essential requirement for federal personnel handling public records. Employees are encouraged to check the registration portal one month before their desired session to ensure their enrollment.