Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1984 –

Amends the Freedom of Information Act to require agencies to promulgate regulations with regard to the procedures for:

(1) designating certain information confidential; and

(2) handling requests for such confidential information. Provides for de novo judicial review by a U.S. district court of an agency decision to withhold or disclose records. Directs a court to assess attorneys fees against a submitter where the submitter’s reasons for withholding information were not substantially justified. Provides for a sliding fee schedule based upon use (commercial or non-commercial) and the nature of the requester (e.g., individual, educational or scientific institution, news organization, or governmental agency). Permits expedited access to records upon a showing of compelling need. Allows the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to take action against agency personnel for arbitrary and capricious behavior with regard to the withholding, removal, or alteration of a record or with regard to the fee estimate.

Requires the annual report of an agency to include: (1) the number of requests made;

(2) the number of fee waivers requested and granted; and

(3) the average length of time to comply with requests and appeals. Revises the current exemption given to law enforcement records to permit the withholding of law enforcement records if such disclosure would endanger the life or physical safety of any individual. Exempts from disclosure requirements any informant records maintained under an informant’s name or personal identifier unless the status as informant has been officially acknowledged.

Resource: govtrack.us

1692: Massachusetts Governor Sir William Phips ends the Salem Witch Trials by sending a letter officially closing the matter.

• 1773: The first insane asylum in the United States opens on this day.
• 1792: New York City holds its first Columbus Day Celebration NOW, due to  further research and evidence has been changed over the years to Indigenous People’s Day
• 1793: The cornerstone of the oldest state university in the U.S – Old East – is laid on the campus at the University of North Carolina.
• 1823: The first raincoat is sold by Charles Macintosh.
• 1918: A huge forest fire in Cloquet, Minnesota ends up killing over 450 people.
• 1928: For the first time, an iron lung respirator is used at a Children’s Hospital in Boston.
• 1933: Alcatraz Citadel becomes Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary when it’s changed from a military fort and prison to a civilian prison.
• 1942: After the Battle of Cape Esperance during World War II, Japanese naval forces retreat.
• 1944: During World War II, the Axis occupation of the Greek city of Athens comes to an end on this day.
• 1945:S Army Corporeal who served as a combat medic during World War II, becomes the first conscientious objector to ever receive the United States Medal of Honor.
• 1960: Leader of the Japanese Socialist Party, Inejiro Asanuma is stabbed to death during a live television broadcast.

Source: holidayscalendar.com