foia-requests

Draft FOIA and public records requests with exemption and appeal guidance.

1|Updated Feb 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ValorInvestigator/claude-plugin-toolkit --skill foia-requests-valorinvestigator
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: foia-requests
Source: https://github.com/ValorInvestigator/claude-plugin-toolkit/tree/main/skills/foia-requests
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ValorInvestigator/claude-plugin-toolkit --skill foia-requests-valorinvestigator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the complexity of drafting and managing FOIA and public records requests across federal, state, and local jurisdictions by providing guidelines, exemption awareness, appeal strategies, and tracking for investigative teams seeking to unlock government information transparently.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Jurisdictional Intelligence: Summaries of federal, state, and local public records laws and key exemptions keep teams aligned with the applicable statute for each agency.
  • Template-driven Request Crafting: Detailed request, fee waiver, expedited processing, and search scope templates help journalists or researchers compose precise submissions.
  • Workflow Guidance: Tracking models, status inquiry and appeal templates, and follow-up prompts support monitoring response timelines and challenging improper withholdings.

Quick Start

Describe the records you need and instruct the skill to draft a FOIA or public records request that names the agency, scope, exemptions, and intended follow-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions about foia-requests

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I draft a FOIA request that avoids exemptions and speeds up processing?

To draft a FOIA request, you need to precisely define the requested records, name the agency, and specify the scope to minimize exemption claims. Using template-driven requests helps compose precise submissions that include fee waivers and expedited processing requests.

How do I track public records requests and follow up with government agencies?

You track public records requests by applying workflow guidance models that monitor response timelines and generate status inquiry templates. These tracking models support investigative teams in managing follow-up prompts to challenge improper withholdings or delays.

What is the difference between federal, state, and local public records laws for investigative research?

Federal, state, and local public records laws differ in their statutes and key exemptions. Jurisdictional intelligence provides summaries of these varying laws to keep investigative teams aligned with the applicable rules for each specific agency.

Can I appeal a denied FOIA request and request a fee waiver simultaneously?

Yes, you can appeal denied FOIA requests and apply for fee waivers simultaneously. The Skill provides appeal strategies and templates for fee waivers and expedited processing to help transparency advocates challenge improper withholdings.

What should I include in a public records request for investigative journalism?

A public records request for investigative journalism should include the specific agency name, defined search scope, relevant exemptions, and intended follow-ups. Template-driven crafting ensures all required elements for transparent government document acquisition are present.

When should I request expedited processing for a Freedom of Information Act inquiry?

You should request expedited processing for a Freedom of Information Act inquiry when there is an urgent need for public records. The Skill includes templates to justify expedited processing alongside standard request drafting for investigative teams.