An Act to provide sunlight to state government
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act to provide sunlight to state government,’ aims to increase transparency and public access to information held by the Massachusetts state government. It seeks to ensure that government records are readily available to the public, promoting accountability and informed decision-making. The bill’s specific details are currently under consideration by legislative committees.
Key provisions
- Requires state agencies to proactively disclose certain records.
- Expands the definition of ‘public record’ to include electronic communications.
- Streamlines the process for requesting and obtaining government information.
- Establishes timelines for agencies to respond to public information requests.
- Addresses fees associated with accessing public records.
- Clarifies exemptions to public records laws.
- Creates a process for appealing denials of public records requests.
- Mandates regular reporting on public records access by state agencies.
Who is affected
- The general public
- State government agencies
- Massachusetts residents
- Journalists
- Advocacy groups
Notable changes
- Potentially broadens the scope of records considered public.
- May alter existing procedures for requesting and receiving government information.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
13 on record
Primary sponsor
James B. Eldridge
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Arguments
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