What is the
Massachusetts Public Records Law
Each State has their own version of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), which allows you to request public records from government agencies. Calunah drafts your request letter so it’s professional and ready to submit—then you simply send it to the agency. Our platform ensures your request is formatted correctly, saving time, and avoiding errors, while keeping your personal information private. Whether it’s for business, research, or personal purposes, being able to request government records is your right.
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Massachusetts
State Records FAQs
The law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10) gives the public the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records from state and local agencies, unless exempt.
Anyone — residents, non-residents, businesses, journalists, and advocacy groups. No explanation is required.
Agencies must respond within 10 business days. They may extend up to 20 business days for state agencies (15 for municipalities) with written notice.
Yes. Requests must be submitted in writing — by mail, email, fax, or agency portal.
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for staff time and copying. Labor costs are capped at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of fulfilling the request.
Examples include: police reports, environmental studies, contracts, emails, budgets, and public health data.
Yes. Exemptions cover things like ongoing investigations, medical and student records, attorney-client materials, and security information.
You can appeal to the Supervisor of Records in the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office, or you may seek judicial review.
FOIA covers federal agencies; Massachusetts law covers state and local agencies. Massachusetts also allows more time extensions than FOIA.
No. Public records are available to any person, regardless of residency.