S-1518 : Still Just a Bill

The Sensible Classification Act of 2023, or S. 1518, aims to reform the classification and declassification of national security information.

Key provisions include:

• Classification Authority: Limits who can originally classify information and requires training for those with classification authority.
• Efficient Declassification Review: Mandates agencies to review and process records older than 25 years for declassification through the National Declassification Center.
• Sensible Classification Training: Requires agencies to train employees to avoid over-classification and promote appropriate classification levels.
• Public Interest Declassification Board Improvements: Allows board members to continue serving after their term expires until a successor is appointed and authorizes the Board to hire additional staff members.
• Technology Implementation: Directs the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government to research and recommend technology-based solutions using machine learning and artificial intelligence for classification and declassification.
• Security Clearance Studies: Requires agencies to conduct studies on the necessity of security clearances, review access to sensitive compartmented information and special access programs, and ensure the number of personnel with clearances is minimized.

In essence, the bill seeks to reduce unnecessary classification, speed up declassification processes, and ensure that access to classified information is limited to those with a demonstrable need.