Massachusetts FOIA procedures

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Each state varies slightly in the procedures used to gain access to public documents. This article serves to describe specifically the steps used in Massachusetts. To read the history and details of Massachusetts’ sunshine laws please see Massachusetts Public Records Act

How to request public records in Massachusetts

Records requests should be directed to the public agency in possession of the desired records. The act does not require agencies to select an official records custodian.

Purpose and use

The act does not require a statement of purpose or place any restrictions on the use of records.

Who may request public records?

See also: List of who can make public record requests by state

Anyone may request public documents in Massachusetts. Records custodians shall permit public records "to be inspected and examined by any person". ^[1]

Fees

See also: How much do public records cost?

Fees for records include the cost of duplication and fees associated with the cost of search for the records^[2]

Response time

See also: Request response times by state

Massachusetts' law allows 10 days for record responses. ^[3]

Exemptions

See also

• Massachusetts Public Records Act
• Massachusetts Open Meetings Act

External links

• General Laws of Massachusetts Public Records
• Open Government Guide to Massachusetts

References

	v • d • e State of Massachusetts Boston (capital)
Transparency	Public Records Act | Transparency Checklist | Government corruption reports | Transparency Legislation | Open Records procedures | Transparency Advocates | Transparency blogs | State budget | Taxpayer-funded lobbying associations |
Divisions	State | List of Counties | List of Cities | List of School Districts | Evaluation of county websites | Evaluation of city websites | Evaluation of school district websites |
Government	Massachusetts State Constitution | Executive | House of Representatives | Senate |
Judiciary	Massachusetts Supreme Court | Circuit Court of Appeals | District Courts | Judicial Nominating Commission | Judicial news | Judicial activist organizations |
Ballot Measures	2008 ballot measures | List of ballot measures | State ballot report | Amending the constitution | History of direct democracy | Campaign finance requirements |