The Sensible Classification Act of 2023 would reform how the federal government classifies and declassifies national security information. The bill tightens controls on who can classify documents by requiring officials to receive training before obtaining classification authority and limiting delegation of this power to the minimum necessary. It requires agencies to automatically review classified documents older than 25 years and process them for declassification, aims to reduce over-classification through staff training, and directs the government to study implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems to improve classification and declassification processes. The legislation also requires all federal agencies that grant security clearances to study whether those clearances remain necessary and report their findings to Congress, addressing concerns that over 4 million people currently hold security clearances when fewer may be needed. The bill provides no specific budget amounts but authorizes necessary funding for these initiatives.
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