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This final rule updates the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to implement the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-185) (the 2016 Act), align the OIG’s FOIA regulations with HUD’s FOIA regulations, and codify current OIG policies and practices with respect to FOIA. Section 3 of the 2016 Act  requires agencies to review and issue updated regulations on procedures for disclosure of records under FOIA, in accordance with the Act’s amendments.  The 2016 Act addresses a range of procedural issues, including requirements that agencies establish a minimum of 90 days for requesters to file an administrative appeal and that agencies provide dispute resolution services at various times throughout the FOIA process.  In this final rule, as required by statute, the OIG amends its regulation to reflect changes to FOIA. Additionally, to align the OIG’s FOIA regulation with HUD’s FOIA regulation, the OIG adopts HUD’s fee schedule and policies related to the fee schedule, requires that requests be made in writing, and provides that appeals may be submitted electronically.

Overall Description of Deadline: No later than 180 days after enactment.