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Linda Petersen is the managing editor of The Valley Journals, a group of 15 free, total market coverage, monthly community papers in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Al. Code §36-12-40 et seq.
Closed: Attorney-client meetings; discussions where "character or good name" of a person is involved; and grand jury and juvenile proceedings.
Open Records Law Al. Code §36-25A-1 et seq.
Exempt: Banking, juvenile court, hospital and probation reports; identity of Medicaid recipients; reports of suspected disease cases; tax and financial statements.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Ark. Code Ann. §25-19-101 et seq. including §25-19-105.
Closed: To consider employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any public employee.
Open Records Law Ark. Code Ann. §25-19-101 et seq. including §25-19-106.
Exempt: Income tax records; medical, scholastic and adoption records; historical and archeological files; on-going law enforcement investigations; working papers, competitive advantage, and personnel records; and identities of undercover law enforcement officers.
Arkansas FOI Act from FOIArkansas.com
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law A.R.S. §38-431 et seq.
Closed: Salary, discipline, negotiations; planning; and legal consultation.
Open Records Law A.R.S. §39-121 et seq.
Exempt: Adoption records; disciplinary records of some professional groups; some medical records; some corrections department records; bank records; and trade secrets.
Arizona Reporter’s Handbook on Media Law
Written by Dan Barr. To get a copy for $5, contact Sharon Neilson at 602-351-8014 or at sneilson@perkinscoie.com.
Resources
Legal Resources for Using the California Public Records Act
First Amendment Coalition
This link provides resources for using the California Public Records Act, including the text of the Act, CFAC’s CPRA Primer, the California Attorney General’s Guide to the Act, Frequently Asked Questions, sample records request letters, and more: Website
Open Government Guide for California
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Written by media law attorneys Duffy Carolan and Susan Seager, of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, this guide provides a summary of and links to California’s public records and open meetings laws. The guide is available free online at Website
California Newspaper Publishers Association HelpLine
The HelpLine is available without charge to CNPA members to help answer legal questions on topics such as access to public meetings and records, school access, publisher liability for advertising, libel and workplace issues. Call the HelpLine at (916) 288-6013.
Californians Aware State Agency Audit
CalAware reports the results of its August 2006 audit of California state agency’s compliance with public records requests here: Website
California Public Records Ombudsman
Information about the Department of Justice’s guidelines for public records access is available online at: Website. The Website also provides links to a summary of the Public Records Act and a training guide on the Act. The ombudsman facilitates and tracks public records requests and can be contacted at:
Public Records Ombudsman
P.O. Box 944255-2550
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-4069
E-mail
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law
Brown Act: Gov't Code §54950-54960.5
Closed: Consultation on pending litigation; discipline of public employees; real estate transactions; and collective bargaining.
Link to Brown Act guide (Adobe Acrobat file)
Open Records Law
Calif. Public Records Act: Gov't Code §6250-6268
Exempt: Law enforcement investigations: litigation; and proprietary business data and personal privacy.
Link to CPRA guide (Adobe Acrobat file)
California Shield Law
The California Shield Law provides legal protections to journalists seeking to maintain the confidentiality of an unnamed source or unpublished information obtained during newsgathering. California Shield Law (Adobe/PDF file)
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
A Guide to Freedom of Information Laws of the State of Colorado
Colorado Press Association, 1995.
This brochure includes a summary of state freedom of information laws, including the sunshine law, the public records law, the criminal justice records law, the Colorado jail records law and the open meetings law.
Format: Brochure. 8 1/2 in.
Order from: Colorado Press Association
The Press Building
1336 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (303) 571-5117
Reporters' Guide to Colorado Courts: An Informal Guide to Courtroom Procedures and Legal Terms Used in the Judicial System of Colorado
produced by the Public Education Committee of the Colorado Supreme Court with assistance from the Colorado Bar-Press Committee. Denver, CO: Colorado Judicial Department, 1996. 62 p.
The booklet's purpose is to provide information about the law and the legal system. The text is designed to guide reporters through the judicial system and offer them a better selection of sources for their work. A glossary is included.
Format: Pamphlet. 8 in.
Order from: Colorado Judicial Department
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 300
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 861-1111
A Reporter's Guide to Colorado's Public-Records and Open-Meetings Laws
by James J. Brodell, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Department of Journalism, 1995, 36 p., including appendices.
Format: Pamphlet, 8-1/2 by 11 in.
Order from: Metropolitan State College of Denver
Department of Journalism
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 76
Denver, CO 80217
Phone: (303) 556-4672
Publications
Open Government Guide from the
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-18a et seq.
Closed: Certain personnel matters; collective bargaining and negotiating sessions; administrative staff meetings; certain real estate transactions; security strategy; and pending litigation negotiations.
Open Records Law Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-18a et seq.
Exempt: Fifteen total exemptions including: Personnel, medical and some law enforcement files; juvenile; some witness and victim identification records; pending litigation files; and real estate documents.
Media and the Law Handbook
Hartford, CT: Hartford County Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association, 2000, 110 p.
Price: Free to the media.
Format: One-volume handbook. 8 in.
Order from:
Connecticut Bar Association
PO Box 350
30 Bank St.
New Britain, CT 06050-0350
Phone (860) 223-4400
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law 29 Del. C. §10001 et seq.
Closed: Criminal investigations; employee evaluations; attorney-client discussions; collective bargaining; real estate transactions; student disciplinary hearings; and attorney-client meetings.
Open Records Law 29 Del. C. §10001 et seq.
Exempt: Personnel, medical, and student files; trade, investigative and intelligence documents; charitable donations; collective bargaining; and pending lawsuits.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Fla. Stat. sec. 286.011 et seq.
All meetings of boards and commissions open. Most collegial public bodies also open.
Open Records Law Fla. Stat. sec. 119.01 et. seq.
Exempt: More than 600 exemptions, check listed code citation.
Resources
The Florida Public Records Handbook, by Joe Adams, edited by Barbara A. Petersen and Mark Middlebrook
Published by The First Amendment Foundation. Profiles 150 of Florida’s most useful public records, overview of the state’s public records laws and sample FOI letter.
Florida Attorney General’s Office
Legal opinions on open records and meetings, Sunshine Manual online.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Records Law O.C.G.A. §50-18-70
Exempt: Investigations; certain real estate documents; attorney-client privilege documents; and names of handgun carriers. Electronic records open.
Open Meetings Law O.C.G.A. §50-14-1
Closed: Certain personnel matters, attorney consultations and real estate transactions.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Haw. Rev. Stat. §92-1 et seq.
Closed: To consider personnel information relating to those applying for professional or vocations licenses; hiring or firing of an employee; labor negotiations; property negotiations; attorney consultation; misconduct investigations; and public safety or security. State boards and commissions may meet in private if no commitment to vote is made or sought; also can meet with the governor as long as it does not relate to a quasi-judicial matter.
Open Records Law Haw. Rev. Stat. §91-1 et seq.
Exempt: Medical, psychiatric, or psychological information; criminal investigations; social services or welfare benefits information; personnel files; fitness to be granted a license; and personal recommendations and evaluations.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Iowa Code §21.1 et seq.
Closed: 11 exemptions, check code citation.
Open Records Law Iowa Code §22.1 et seq.
State access law has 50 exemptions including personal information of public school students, hospital and medical records, trade secrets, peace officers' investigative reports, and attorney work related to litigation.
Resources
Iowa Supreme Court
Contains information about the state's judicial system, appellate court opinions and records online. Resources for reporters covering the courts.
Office of the Attorney General
Web site includes Sunshine Advisories, public records and meetings guidance, legal outlines of the laws, and Q and A
Open Meetings, Open Records Handbook
Pocket-size booklet
Contains the text of Chapters 21 and 22 of the Iowa Code, the public meetings and records statutes, and questions and answers about the laws
Cost: $2
Contact: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-2295
Expanded Media Coverage Handbook
Pocket-size booklet
Contains text of Iowa FOI Council and judicial branch rules governing the use of cameras and other recording devices in Iowa courtrooms
Cost: $2
Contact: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-2295
Keeping Iowa Open: A Guide to the State's Access Laws & and the Courts
A primer on the state's "sunshine" laws and court system for journalists new to Iowa.
Cost: Free
Contact: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-2295
A Journalist's Guide to Openness in Iowa
A flier that summarizes the Iowa Code regarding open meetings, open records and access to law enforcement. Published in conjunction with the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.
Cost: Free
Contact: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-2295
Openness Defense Fund
A flier that explains a Council program — open to members of the Iowa Newspaper Association and Iowa Broadcasters Association — that provides financial support for educational programs and for litigation over serious violations of the state's open meetings and public records laws.
Cost: Free
Contact: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-2295
Government Associations
These websites contain information about Iowa law. These associations can also help resolve access issues by advising public agencies about what the laws require or by explaining how public agencies interpret the law.
Iowa Association of School Boards
Phone: (800) 795-4272
Iowa League of Cities
Phone: (515) 244-7282
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Idaho Code §67-2341 et seq.
Closed: Personnel matters; labor negotiations; matters of competitive trade or commerce with other states or nations; and pending or probable litigation.
Open Records Law Idaho Coda §9-337 et seq.
Exempt: 40 exemptions, check code citation.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Illinois Open Meetings Act
"It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business." (5 ILCS 120/1)
Illinois Freedom of Information Act
"...it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government [...] Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest." (5 ILCS 140/1)
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Media Law Handbook, prepared by the Fair Trial-Free Press Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association. Springfield, IL: Illinois State Bar Association, 1993
Currently being revised.
Format: One-volume, loose leaf reference manual. 8 in.
Order from: Illinois State Bar
424 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 525-1760
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law I.C. §§5-14-1.5-1 et seq.
Closed: Numerous exemptions including: Collective bargaining, litigation strategy, and certain real estate transactions.
Open Records Law §§5-14-3-1 et seq.
Exempt: Trade secrets; university research; and certain educational and medical records. Discretionary exemptions include: Personnel files; diaries; journals; and personal notes.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Open Meetings Law K.S.A. 75-4317 et seq.
Closed: Attorney consultations; personnel matters; employer-employee negotiations; trade secrets; and acquisitions of real estate property.
Open Records Law K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.
Exempt: 42 exemptions, check code citation.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Kansas Media Law Guide by Dorothy A. Bowles. Topeka, KS: Kansas Press Service, 1984. 187 p.
Format: Reference manual.
Order from:
Kansas Press Association
5423 SW 7th St.
Topeka, KS 66606
Phone (785) 271-5304
A Reporter's Guide to Legal Terms and Procedures prepared by the Kansas Bar Association. Topeka, KS: Kansas Bar Association, 1989. 53 p.
Contents include a glossary of legal terms, overview of the Kansas court system, and information on cameras in the courtroom, judicial discipline, lawyer discipline, the Kansas Bar's structure and organization, mandatory continuing legal education and media-related activities. Price: Free
Format: Pamphlet. 11 1/2 in.
Order from:
Kansas Bar Association
P.O. Box 1037
Topeka, KS 66601
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law K.R.S. 61.810 et seq.
Closed: Parole board; collective bargaining; certain real estate transactions; certain employee matters; certain business negotiations; and pending litigation involving a public agency.
Open Records Law K.R.S. 61.872 et seq.
Exempt: Personal information prohibited from disclosure for privacy reasons; some law enforcement records; some real estate documents, etc.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Kentucky Open Government blog
Edited by University of Kentucky lecturer Terry Anderson. Good source for state FOI news of all kinds, including bills pending in the state General Assembly.
Open Government Guide for Kentucky (good explanation of the law)
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
This Web site provides details about Kentucky’s open records and meetings laws, compiled by attorneys Jon L. Fleischaker, R. Kenyon Meyer, Ashley L. Pack and Jeremy S. Rogers.
Scripps Howard First Amendment Center
The center’s mission at the University of Kentucky is “is to promote understanding of the First Amendment among citizens of Kentucky, to advocate for First Amendment rights in the Commonwealth and nationally, and to produce internationally recognized scholarship concerning the First Amendment and its related freedoms.”
Sponsors First Amendment oriented events and programs.
Kentucky Press Association FOI Resources
Website
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law La.R.S. 42:4.1 et seq.
Closed: Discussion of the character, professional competence or health of a person; collective bargaining negotiations; discussions of security plans or devices; misconduct investigations; and natural disaster discussions.
Open Records Law La.R.S. 44:1 et seq.
Exempt: Pending criminal litigation; juvenile status offenders; sexual offense victims; security procedures; trade secrets; and some public employee information.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Open Meetings Laws G.L. c. 39, 23-24. State: G.L. c. 30, 11. County: G.L. c. 34, 9F. Municipality: G.L. c. 39, 23B.
Closed: Certain personnel matters; discussion of individual characteristics; collective bargaining; real estate negotiations; and disciplinary records.
Open Records Law G.L. c. 66, sec. 10.
Exempt: Information that would invade individual privacy; trade secrets; public policy development memos; and investigative materials.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Md. State Gov't Code Ann. §§10-501 et seq.
Closed: Discussion of the individual characteristics of a person; certain personnel matters; collective bargaining; and real estate transactions. Maryland Public Information Act
Open Records Law Md. State Gov't Code Ann. §§10-611 et seq.
Exempt: Information that invades individual privacy; trade secrets; public policy development memos; and investigative materials.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings LawM.R.S.A. Sec. 403 et seq.
Closed: Certain personnel matters; attorney consultations; and student disciplinary considerations.
Open Records Law M.R.S.A. Sec. 402 et seq.
Exempt: Certain law enforcement investigation documents; records of legislature; and university administrative committees.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §15.261 et seq.
Closed: Collective bargaining; real estate transactions; and pending litigation discussions. Discussion of certain personnel matters and student records may be closed if relevant board votes to close. Michigan's Open Meetings Act (Adobe Acrobat File)
Open Records Law Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §15.231 et seq.
Exempt: Information deemed private; trade secrets; advisory communications with government agencies; attorney-client communications; medical counseling and psychological facts or appraisals; records of campaign committees; and some law enforcement records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Minn. Statutes Chapter 13D
Closed: Attorney consultation; personnel matters; labor negotiations; internal affairs for law enforcement personnel; criminal investigations; medical data; welfare data; and hospital boards considering marketing strategy.
Open Records Law Minn. Statutes 13.01 et seq.
Exempt: Juvenile court records; and some personnel information.
Questions on MN Government Data Practices Act should be addressed to:
MN Dept. of Administration Information Policy Analysis Div.
Phone (651)296-6733 or (800)657-3721
Email info.ipad@state.mn.us
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Shield Law details for Minnesota
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Prepared by attorneys John P. Borger, Eric E. Jorstad, Laura G. Coates and Leita Walker. The links outline the law and the scope of privilege.
Minnesota SPJ Pro Chapter Website
Videos of panel discussions on access, resources, media links and more.
E-mail
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
News Reporter's Handbook on Law and Courts
This Revised Online Edition of the News Reporters Handbook on Law and the Courts is published by The Missouri Press-Bar Commission. It updates the previously revised edition published in 1981.
Most of the work of revising the information in this edition was completed by Dan Curry, a former journalist who is now a lawyer.
Open Meetings Law Mo. Code §610.010 et seq.
Closed: Legal actions; leasing, purchase or sale of real estate; personnel matters; the state militia; health examinations; testing materials; negotiations with employees; and sealed bids.
Open Records Law Mo. Code §610.023 et seq.
Exempt: Same as meetings law.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Miss. Code Ann. 25-4-1 et seq.
Closed: Personnel matters; impending litigation; security personnel, plans, and devices; misconduct investigations; extraordinary emergencies posing immediate or irrevocable harm to persons or property; the purchase, sale or leasing of lands; admissions tests; and the location, relocation or expansion of a business or industry.
Open Records Law Miss. Code Ann 25-61-1 et seq.
Exempt: Personnel matters; employment applications; individual tax records; academic examination questions; appraisal information concerning the sale or purchase of property for public purposes; and attorney work product concerning litigation.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Montana Code 2-3-201 et seq.
Closed: Matters involving individual privacy and litigation between government entities and private parties. Citizens may file suit to overturn decisions made in allegedly illegal meetings. However, in 2006, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that citizens who challenge a decision must prove that it caused them "actual harm" over and above that of an ordinary taxpaper or citizen.
Open Records Law Montana Code 2-6-101 et seq.
The law gives citizens the right to inspect any "public writings" of the state except as prohibited by statute. Recent legislation removed several exemptions to the law, thus opening records, including death certificates.
Exempt: Records may be closed if the right to individual privacy clearly exceeds the public's right to know. However, the Montana Supreme Court has upheld challenges to statutes or executive branch decisions that closed records, ruling that the constitutional public right to know outweighed the individual privacy interest.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
North Carolina State Public Records Law available here.
Open Meetings Law G.S. §143-318.9
Closed: 7 exemptions including: Attorney consultation; employee matters; and certain real estate transactions.
Open Records Law G.S. §132-1
Exempt: Confidential legal communications; criminal investigations; and intelligence information.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law N.D.C.C. §44-04-19 et seq.
Closed: Attorney consultations during pending litigation; non-renewal hearings between school board and teacher; juvenile proceedings; and hiring/firing of college or university personnel and presidents by the State Board of Higher Education.
Open Records LawN.D.C.C. §44-04-18 et seq.
Exempt: Juvenile records; trade secrets; public employee medical and assistance records; workers compensation; unemployment; tax information; law enforcement investigation records; and most Department of Human Services records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Law and the Media in the Midwest: A Seven State Handbook Covering Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin by John R. Finnegan, Sr. and Patricia A. Hirl.
St. Paul, MN: Butterworth Legal Publishers, 1984. 352 p.
Order from: Amazon.com
Open Records/Open Meetings Manual published by the North Dakota Attorney General
The updated "Open Records" and "Open Meetings" manuals are contained in two separate, searchable, pdf files. Both manuals also may be saved or printed. In addition to providing detailed information about the state's "sunshine" laws, each manual also contains summaries of opinions and court decisions, an Index of Opinions, and links to view previously issued Attorney General Opinions. The Opinion summaries will be updated regularly. Read it here
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Nebraska Statutes §84-1409 et seq.
Closed: Collective bargaining; real estate purchases; litigation; to protect an individual's reputation; and security personnel and devices.
Open Records Law Nebraska Statutes §84-712 et seq.
Exempt: personal information regarding students; medical records; trade secrets and unpublished academic and scientific research; work product of an attorney for a public body; investigative records of law enforcement and other public bodies with investigative duties; appraisals and negotiation information on purchase or sale of property by a public body; personal information about personnel of public bodies; information solely about the security of public property; security-related records pertaining to the state lottery; information about customers of public utilities; records of library patrons; correspondence, memoranda and phone calls of legislators related to performance of their duties; records that would reveal the location, character, or ownership of any known archaeological, historical or paleontological site; records of donors of articles of archaeological, historical or paleontological significance; application materials of finalists for jobs with a public body; social security numbers, credit card numbers and similar financial account information supplied to state and local governments by citizens.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Law and the Media in the Midwest: A Seven State Handbook Covering Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin by John R. Finnegan, Sr. and Patricia A. Hirl.
St. Paul, MN: Butterworth Legal Publishers, 1984. 352 p.
Order from: Amazon.com
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law R.S.A. Ch. 91-A et seq.
Closed: Certain personnel matters, real estate meetings and pending litigation.
Open Records Law R.S.A. Ch. 01-A et seq.
Exempt: Investigative files; parole and pardon board records; student records; and certain commercial/financial information.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law
Sample Request Under Right-to-Know Law
Right to Know New Hampshire
Web site has been established to help empower citizens to more effectively participate in the democratic process.
Andrew Walters
P.O. Box 34
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
603-785-7722
E-mail
Sunshine Review
New Hampshire
New England Pro SPJ Chapter, President Emily Sweeney, 22 Newport St. #3, Dorchester, MA 02125, (617) 967-7561. E-mail. Website
Open Government Guide for New Hampshire, prepared by the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press, Website
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law N.J.S.A. 10:4 et seq.
Closed: Meetings that may result in invasion of privacy; real estate transactions; collective bargaining agreements; pending litigation; and personnel action.
Open Records Law N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
Exempt: Child abuse records; and pending investigation records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law 10-15-1 N.M.S.A. 1978 et seq.
May be closed: Discussions of issuance, suspension, renewal or revocation of a license; limited (individual) personnel matters; deliberations in administrative adjudicatory proceeding relating to individual legal rights; personally identifiable student information; collective bargaining strategy; discussions of single-source purchases of more than more than $2,500; discussions of threatened or pending litigation subject to attorney-client privilege; acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights; discussions of strategic and long-range business plans or trade secrets of public hospital boards; discussions of gaming control board made confidential by gaming control act.
Open Records Law 14-2-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
Exempt: Physical or mental examinations and medical treatment; letters of reference concerning employment, licensing or permits; matters of opinion in personnel files or students' cumulative files; law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources, methods, information or individuals accused but not charged; idenity of applicant or nominee for president of institution of learning but names of at least five finalists must be released at least 21 days before selection is made.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law N.R.S. 241 et seq.
Closed: To consider someone's character, alleged misconduct, or professional competence; and to conduct labor negotiations.
Open Records Law N.R.S. 239 et seq.
Exempt: Over 300 exemptions. Custodians must balance privacy issues with public interest.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law NY Pub. Off. Law sec. 103 et seq.
Closed: Litigation strategy discussions; collective bargaining; certain real estate transactions; certain personnel matters; and matters which would imperil public safety or law enforcement or disclose identity of informant.
Open Records Law NY Pub. Off. Law sec. 84 et seq.
Exempt: Disclosures resulting in unwarranted invasion of privacy or business/competition enterprises; names of sex crime victims; and some law enforcement records and inter/intra-agency materials.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Ohio Rev. Code sec. 121.22 et seq.
Closed: Real estate transactions; certain personnel matters; certain law enforcement meetings; Adult Parole Authority; and certain medical board meetings.
Open Records Law Ohio Rev. Code sec. 149.43 et seq.
Exempt: Personal bank records; medical records; adoption records; probation and parole records; and certain law enforcement investigative records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Ohio Newspaper Association Open Government Page
Active in open government issues and a key backer of the Ohio Coalition for Open Government.
The Legal Handbook for Ohio Journalists provides general legal information updated for 2002, as well as information about media issues directly affecting Ohio's journalists. Read it here.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law OK Stat., tit. 25, §301 et seq.
Closed: Executive sessions of the State Banking Board and Oklahoma Savings and Loan Board; state judiciary, legislative, or administrative staffs meetings of public bodies; and some meetings of institutions of higher education and certain school board meetings.
Open Records Law OK Stat, tit. 51, §24A.1 et seq.
Exempt: If protected by state evidentiary privilege; real estate appraisals; personnel records; registration files of sex offenders; public officials' personnel notes; business-related bids; computer programs; medical market research; and certain educational records including student records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Model Letter for Public Records Requests in Oklahoma, Joey Senat, Ph.D., OSU School of Journalism and Broadcasting.
This model letter contains citations to the relevant statutory and judicial language regarding the public¹s right of access to open records in Oklahoma. The letter is available online for free, but the author asks that he be notified by email when it is used.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law O.R.S. 192.610 et seq.
Closed: Personnel matters; filling of a vacancy in elective office; misconduct investigations; conduct of medical staff at public hospitals; some labor negotiations; property negotiations; trade or commerce negotiations; and attorney consultations.
Open Records Laws O.R.S. 192.410 et seq.
Exempt: Records less than 75 years old containing information on the health care treatment of a living individual; impending litigation; trade secrets; criminal investigation materials; testing materials; real estate appraisals; personnel disciplinary action; and computer programs.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Media Handbook on Oregon Law and Court System was prepared by the Oregon Bar-Press-Broadcasters Council to increase cooperation among these professions and provide wider understanding of the Oregon court system among journalists and broadcasters. Members of the Oregon State Bar, the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Oregon Association of Broadcasters shared their expertise to develop this reference manual. Its purpose is to answer the most commonly asked questions concerning the media and courts. Available online here.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law 65 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section 261 et. seq.
Closed: Attorney consultations; collective bargaining; certain personnel matters; and some real estate transactions.
Open Records Law 65 Pa. Stat. Section 66.1 et seq.
Exempt: Some investigative records; birth and death records; some election reports; and accident reports.
Form Letters
— Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, for Right to Know and Appeal forms, Training and Information Mediation forms and samples of requests
— Downloadable Right to Know Law and Sunshine Act
— Sunshine Act information by Department of Community and Economic Development (click on “Open Meetings”).
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Media Survival Kit: Pennsylvania First Amendment Coalition prepared by Samuel E. Klein, Amy B. Ginensky, Vernon L. Francis, and Robert C. Clothier.
The Media Survival Kit, last updated in 2001, is published by the Pennsylvania First Amendment Coalition. The book was printed by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and distributed to PNA member newspapers. Pennsylvania's Right to Know Act, which concerns government records, was updated since the Media Survival Kit was printed. PNA's Legal Department produced a guide to the 2008 changes, which is a handy reference to use in conjunction with the Media Survival Kit. Read and order here.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law R.I. Gen. Laws §§42-46-1
Closed: Certain personnel matters; collective bargaining; litigation; security; real estate transactions; school committees; student disciplinary hearings; and student records.
Open Records Law R.I. Gen. Laws §§38-2-1
Exempt: Presumption of disclosure with few exemptions.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
The Rhode Island Press Association
Headquartered in Professor Levin’s office. Current president is Scott Pickering, managing editor, East Bay Newspapers, 1 Bradford St., Bristol, RI, 02809 ; E-mail 401-253-6000.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-60
Closed: Certain personnel matters, criminal investigations, and some real estate transactions.
Open Records Law S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-10
Exempt: Pending investigation documents; confidential attorney communications; identification of informants; certain bank and business transactions; and income tax returns.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law S.D.C.L. 1-25-1 et seq.
Closed: Legal matters; employee or student performance; labor negotiations; and pricing strategies by publicly-owned competitive businesses.
Open Records Law S.D.C.L. 1-27-1 et seq.
Exempt: Savings and loan association reports; school records; juvenile court records; adoption records; hospital licensing and inspection information; and medical research information.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Law and the Media in the Midwest: A Seven State Handbook Covering Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin by John R. Finnegan, Sr. and Patricia A. Hirl.
St. Paul, MN: Butterworth Legal Publishers, 1984. 352 p.
Order from: Amazon.com
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Tenn. Code Ann. 8-44-102 et seq.
Closed: Labor negotiations; personnel matters; and discussions with an attorney regarding pending litigation.
Open Records Law Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503 et seq.
Exempt: Medical records of patients in state institutions; some investigative records; public school student records; and some economic development issues, such as land acquisition.
Constitution of the State of Tennessee (File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat)
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Form Letters
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Inc.
— Texas Public Information Letter
— Federal Freedom of Information Letter
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. art. 6252-17a
Exempt: Over 30 exemptions including: Confidential information as defined by law; personnel information; litigation or settlement negotiations involving state, competition or bidding information; certain real estate information; certain legislative documents; certain investigation or prosecution documents; certain private communications of public office holders; certain trade or financial secrets; and student records.
Open Meetings Law Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. art. 6252-17-1
Closed: Attorney consultations; real estate transactions; hearings of the ethics commission; personnel and individual student matters; and emergency medical service quality reviews, etc.
Freedom of Information Handbook from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (requires an email address)
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, 52-4-1 et-seq Link to Meetings Law
Open Records Law Government Records Access and Management Act, 63-2-101 et seq.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Va. Code Secs. 2.2-3700 et seq
Closed: Terrorism activities precautions; some personnel matters, attorney consultations, real estate matters, student disciplinary matters, etc.
Open Records Law Va. Code Secs. 2.2-3700 et seq
Exempt: Some criminal investigations; some police reports; tax returns; medical records; personnel matters; real estate; attorney client privilege exemptions; and working papers.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Local Government Officials' Guide
Charlottesville, VA: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service6, 2006.
An excellent analysis of Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, written from the perspective of a government official.
Price: $5; $4 for orders of five or more.
Order from:
Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA. 22903.
Mass Communication Law in Virginia
Published by W. Wat Hopkins, New Forums Press, Stillwater OK, 1999, 118 pages
Format: One-volume reference manual. 8 in.
Price: $14.95 plus $1.50 shipping
Order from:
First Amendment Foundation
New Forums Press
P.O. Box 876
Stillwater, OK 74076
Phone (405)372-6158
Public Information Pamphlets
Compiled by the Virginia State Bar
The Virginia State Bar publishes pamphlets on law-related issues for Virginia’s citizens. If you would like to order printed copies of these pamphlets, please download the Publications Order Form* (pdf) and fax or mail with payment (when applicable) to the Virginia State Bar at (804) 775-0582.
Format: PDF
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law 1 V.S.A. §§310 et seq.
Closed: Contract negotiations; employee matters; certain real estate matters; disciplinary records of public employees and students; and other records/documents exempted in Title 1, 317b; and discussions that would result in a clear and imminent peril to public safety.
Open Records Law 1 V.S.A. §§315 et seq.
Exempt: Twenty exemptions including: Personnel files; criminal investigation records; tax documents; and location of historical/archaeological sites.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Wash. Rev. Code § 42.30.010 et seq.
Closed: Meetings about national security matters and site selection; acquisition of real estate; and personnel matters.
Open Records Law Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.010 et seq.
Exempt: Personal student or patient information; employee files; and some investigative records.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Open-Government Blog
Attorney General’s Open Government Internet Deskbook
The Attorney General has a good Web site the provides tips for obtaining public records, a deskbook, and model rules for public disclosure. If you are illegally denied a public record look up the AG’s explanation of how it should be open, then provide the agency a link to the AG’s Web site — the agency might not listen to you but it might listen to the highest government attorney in Washington.
League of Women Voters’ Observing Your Government in Action
This 32-page booklet outlines the “Observer” program, where citizens attend public meetings and report actions to citizens. The League has observers covering a variety of agencies, including those journalists might not be covering. Could make for good sources.
Washington Access Guide
This booklet is great to have on any desk. It provides the statutes and explanation of the public records and open meeting laws, among other things. The guide is put out by the SPJ Western Washington chapter. Contact the chapter for more information.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Wis. Stat. 19.81 et seq.
Closed: Certain negative or disciplinary personnel matters; personnel employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluations; strategy for crime detection and prevention; to deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public properties; to consider financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons that would likely have a substantial adverse affect upon the reputation of the person; and attorney consultations.
Open Records Law Wis. Stat. 19.31 et seq.
Exempt: Certain investigative records, computer programs and trade secrets; public library circulation records are confidential.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Resources
Law and the Media in the Midwest: A Seven State Handbook Covering Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin by John R. Finnegan, Sr. and Patricia A. Hirl.
St. Paul, MN: Butterworth Legal Publishers, 1984. 352 p.
Order from: Amazon.com
Wisconsin News Reporters Legal Handbook Published by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Media-Law Relations Committee in cooperation with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Fifth Edition, January 2005. Read it online or
Order from: State Bar of Wisconsin at (800) 728-7788 or (608) 257-3838. Each copy is $5 plus shipping, handling, and applicable sales tax.
Wisconsin Lawyer's Guide to the News Media 2d ed. Madison, WI: State Bar of Wisconsin, Media-Law Relations Committee, 1990. 50 p. From the preface: "For the bar and the news media to work together successfully, it is apparent each must better understand the practices and procedures of the other. In 1979 the Media-Law Relations Committee... completed A Wisconsin News Reporters' Legal Handbook, covering judicial procedures and legal terminology... The publication was a step forward in educating [the media] in such fundamentals as court procedure, fair trial and free press principles and guidelines, and the Wisconsin rules governing electronic media and still photography in courts. [It] was updated in 1987. Similarly, it is apparent to the committee that many in the legal profession do not fully understand the constitutional rights of the media and the way they function... [T]he committee developed... this handbook to respond to some of these concerns." Read it online.
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law W.Va. Code § 6-9A-1 et seq.
Closed: Some medical information; meetings on riots, personnel, discipline, suspension or expulsion of a student.
Open Records Law W.Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.
Exempt: Trade secrets; information violating personal privacy; some exam data; some archaeological sites; and law enforcement records for internal use.
Form Letters
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (800) 336-4243 or (703) 807-2100
E-mail rcfp@rcfp.org
FOI Letter Generator
Student Press Law Center
1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, Virginia 22209
Phone (703) 807-1904
E-mail splc@splc.org
Request Letter Generator
Publications
Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Open Meetings Law Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-401 et seq.
Closed: Sessions regarding threats to security; personnel matters; parole board meetings regarding granting of parole; purchasing or leasing of property; and meetings regarding anonymous gifts to public agencies.
Open Records Law Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.
Exempt: Some law enforcement investigation records; testing materials; details of state institutions' research projects; labor negotiations; school board and university student disciplinary records; and medical records of publicly funded hospitals.
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