Laws & Regulations
The following acts govern the Presidential Libraries and the access and use of their materials.
- Presidential Libraries Act of 1955
The Presidential Libraries Act (PLA) established a system of privately erected and federally maintained libraries.
- Presidential Libraries Act of 1986
The Presidential Libraries Act of 1986 made significant changes to Presidential Libraries, requiring private endowments linked to the size of the facility.
- Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978
The Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978 governs the official records of Presidents and Vice Presidents created or received after January 20, 1981.- Executive Order 13233
Signed by President Bush on November 1, 2001, Executive Order 13233 provides for further implementation of the Presidential Records Act.
- Executive Order 13233
- Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (PRMPA)
Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act (PRMPA) applies only to the Nixon Presidential Materials.
- Executive Order 12958
Signed by President Clinton on April 17, 1995, Executive Order 12958 mandates a review of classified documents older than 25 years. Executive Order 12958 was amended by Executive Order 13292 on March 25, 2003.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1966, generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency documents or information.
