Public Record Law

Effective Jan. 1, 2017, Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2016 updated the state’s existing Public Records Law. Among other things, this updated law sets limits on fees, provides deadlines for the provision of records, and requires the designation of a “Records Access Officer”.

In a Nutshell:
  • RAO – A municipality must appoint a Records Access Officer (RAO) designated to perform certain duties, including coordinating a response to requests, assisting individuals seeking public records and preparing guidelines that enable requestors to make informed requests
  • Requests – may be made in person, in writing, by FAX or Email. The requestor must provide a reasonable description of the desired information.
  • Response – The RAO must respond to requests without reasonable delay and within ten (10) business days, provide a fee estimate where applicable or deny access to records in a manner consistent with MGL c. 66 §10 (a-B)
  • Fees – A ‘reasonable’ fee may be charged, not to exceed copying charge of 5¢ per page and/or Research at $25 per hour.
  • Format – records may be supplied in either paper or electronic format.

Click here for the PDF of the Public Records Request Form.

Guidelines to assist persons seeking access to public records in the custody of the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth

Public Records Request Database