

Full Disclosure
It's a simple equation: Transparency is only as good as the access available to public documents. With this in mind, CommonWealth has set up an information page to help residents wade through the state’s public records request system. Here you’ll find detailed information on making public records requests, links to records available online at state websites, as well as links to CommonWealth’s own growing public records database.


Something’s new this year at UMass Boston
40% of freshman class will be living in dorms
By Marty Meehan and
Katherine Newman
Higher Education and Adult Learning, UMass, UMass Boston
0 Comments

Public records harassment tough sell
Enforcement rare on statute aimed to give communities relief
By Colman M. Herman
Municipal Government, public records law, Secretary of State William Galvin
1 Comment

Nickeled and dimed
Dartmouth officials give little in public records requests
By Colman M. Herman
Public Records, transparency
0 Comments

Galvin upholds Jones decision on privacy grounds
Turns down appeals for police video of Patriots player
By Colman M. Herman
Massachusetts politics, Media and Journalism
0 Comments

Senate unanimous in support of Public Records Law update
The bill must be meshed with less-stringent House version
By Colin A. Young and
Katie Lannan
Massachusetts Legislature, Media and Journalism, Municipal Government, Stan Rosenberg, State Government, Technology
0 Comments

Baker administration making public records progress
Appeals plummet; still, compliance not perfect
By Colman M. Herman
Charlie Baker, Massachusetts Legislature, Massachusetts politics, public records law, Taxes and Budget Issues, Technology
2 Comments

Senate puts teeth into public records reform
Bill differs vastly with House measure but still leaves governor and Legislature exempt
By Jack Sullivan
Ethics and Open Government, Massachusetts Legislature, Municipal Government, public records law, Stan Rosenberg, State Government, Technology
1 Comment

House okays panel to review public records exemptions
With Senate in recess, reform bill unlikely to pass until next year
By Jack Sullivan
Massachusetts Legislature, Municipal Government, State Government
0 Comments

Public records bill does little to open access
Measure calls for attorney fees and fines for noncompliance but could create more potential delays by agencies
By Jack Sullivan
Massachusetts Legislature, Municipal Government
0 Comments