Overview

• The draft law replaces the 1968 Official Secrets Act with a modern Classified Information Act that categorizes secrets into four levels and caps classification at 45 to 60 years.
• It prohibits the classification of documents related to major human rights abuses and creates administrative sanctions ranging from €30,000 to €2.5 million for unauthorized disclosures.
• Félix Bolaños’ proposal designates the Ministry of the Presidency to house the National Authority for the Protection of Classified Information, prompting objections from Defense and Interior ministries.
• Minor partner Sumar and opposition groups including Bildu have signaled plans to introduce amendments to shorten declassification deadlines and adjust sanction levels during the bill’s congressional review.
• If the bill clears Parliament on schedule, it could be published by late 2025, take effect in late 2026 and pave the way for the automatic declassification of 23-F coup records.