Northeastern University

Frequently Asked Questions

What fees are associated with requesting public documents?

What do I do if I can't afford the fees for a public record?

What public documents are exempt from Rhode Island's public access law?

Can I be denied a public record based on why I want the record?

What is the definition of a public record?

Which government branches are exempted from the public access law? Which ones are included?

What public records are available online?

What can I do if a public agency refuses to release a document?

What meetings held by public agencies may be declared closed?

During a closed session, what can be discussed, and what must be made public?

Special Reports

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Connecticut:

Connecticut FOI Commission - a workable model for other states.
By William S. Fish, Jr., and Paul Guggina
>>Connecticut's commission has its warts, but is citizen-friendly



Vermont:


Vermont's public records law: New England's worst?
By Tom Kearney
>>While Vermont may be one of the most liberal and Democratic states in the nation, its right-to-know laws need a serious overhaul.

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New England First Amendment Center
School of Journalism
Northeastern University
102 Lake Hall
Boston, MA 02115-5000
Telephone: (617) 373-5120 or (617) 373-4198

New England First Amendment Coalition
P.O. Box 15
Niantic, CT 06357



The First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."



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First Amendment Center in the News
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