Massachusetts Public Records Law
Massachusetts Public Records Law is a law in Massachusetts detailing what kinds of documents are actually public records. It is a state law that is linked with the federal Freedom of Information Act, which was passed by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.[1]
Requirements
The government and other agencies are required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose records and documents upon request. There are exemptions to FOIA that the government can use to keep certain records private. The Massachusetts Public Records Law parallels FOIA. All records including photographs, memos, books, papers, maps, recorded tapes, financial statements, statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data are considered public information in Massachusetts, unless they are withheld from public view under one of the sixteen exemptions.[1] [2] [3]
See also
References
Further reading
- "Public records reform push gains momentum", Boston Globe, July 16, 2015 (about "bill updating and giving teeth to the Massachusetts’ public records law, described as one of the weakest in the country")
- Todd Wallack (July 18, 2015), "Often a national leader, Massachusetts ranks near the bottom in government transparency", Boston Globe. ("Agencies are charging exorbitant fees for records, effectively denying access by making it unaffordable")
- Todd Wallack (December 26, 2015), "Most localities in state fail test on records law", Boston Globe
- Todd Wallack (December 28, 2015), "Baker surprised by cities, towns failing public records law", Boston Globe