Public Records Law Massachusetts
A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law
Who can help me with questions regarding the Public Records Law? The Division of Public Records (Division) has always provided an “attorney of the day” to assist any person seeking information regarding the Public Records Law. The hours of operation for the Division are Monday-Friday, with the exception of holidays, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
https://www.mass.gov/files/2017-06/Public%20Records%20Law.pdfMassachusetts law about freedom of information and public records
Massachusetts "public records law does not abrogate judicial protective orders." Comm. v. Fujita, 470 Mass. 484 (2015) A list of jurors must be "retained in the court file of the case and be made available to the public in the same manner as other court records. This court also concluded that only on a judicial finding of good cause, which may include a risk of harm to the jurors or to the integrity of their service, may such a list be withheld.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-freedom-of-information-and-public-records950 CMR 32.00: Public records access | Mass.gov
950 CMR 32.00 describes the practices and procedures of the Division of Public Records relative to the requirements of governmental entities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth with respect to disclosure of public records, reporting requirements for certain records access officers and ensuring that disputes regarding access to particular records are resolved expeditiously and fairly.
https://www.mass.gov/regulations/950-CMR-3200-public-records-accessMassachusetts Public Records Law - Wikipedia
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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Public_Records_LawPublic Records Request | Mass.gov
Learn how to request public records from the DTC. On June 3, 2016, Governor Baker signed into law “An Act to Improve Public Records,” enhancing public access to information. The DTC encourages you to use the form below to make a public records request in order to ensure the most expeditious and accurate response to your request.
https://www.mass.gov/public-records-requestAccess to Public Records in Massachusetts | Digital Media Law Project
See Chapter 66, section 10(a) of the Massachusetts General Laws, ("Mass. Gen. Laws") which states that "anyone" can make a request for state public records in Massachusetts. You are not required to explain to a records custodian (the government officer who controls or has access to public records) why you are making a request. 950 CMR 32.05(5). However, if you request records involving building and infrastructure plans, vulnerability assessments, security measures, or other such requests ...
https://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/access-public-records-massachusettsGuidance for making a public records request | Mass.gov
Make a public records request Contact Records Access Officer for the Attorney General's Office Address Lorraine A.G. Tarrow, Records Access Officer Office of the Attorney General 1 Ashburton Place, 18th Floor, Boston, MA 02108 Directions Phone (617) 963-2900 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. more contact info
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/guidance-for-making-a-public-records-requestPublic Records Requests for the Secretary of the Commonwealth
On June 3, 2016, Governor Baker signed into law “An Act to Improve Public Records,” enhancing public access to information. Learn more about how you can request and access public records from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. What would you like to do? Top tasks Submit a public records request online to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
https://www.mass.gov/public-records-requests-for-the-secretary-of-the-commonwealthChapter 66
Section 10B Records divulging name, home or email address and phone number; persons who own, possess or have license to carry firearms; government personnel Section 11 Fireproof vaults and safes Section 12 Arrangement of records Section 13 Custodian to demand records; compelling compliance Section 14 Surrender of records by retiring officer
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleX/Chapter66