Freedom of Access
What is Maine's Law on Freedom of ACCESS
Title 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1 is referred to as the Freedom of Access Act. 1 MRS §401 states, in part, “The Legislature finds and declares that public proceedings exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business. It is the intent of the Legislature that their actions be taken openly and that the records of their actions be open to public inspection and their deliberations be conducted openly. It is further the intent of the Legislature that clandestine meetings, conferences or meetings held on private property without proper notice and ample opportunity for attendance by the public not be used to defeat the purposes of this subchapter.”
Title 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1-A addresses public records exceptions and accessibility. Exceptions can also be found in other titles and sections of the statutes. A Freedom of Access Statutory Exceptions Search is available on the Maine Legislature's website.
The Maine.gov website "Your Right to Know: The Maine Freedom of Access Act" provides additional information and links, including Frequently Asked Questions, how to make a request, and training for municipal officials.
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