Freedom of Access
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PublishedNovember 10, 2023
Agency to fork up nearly $200,000 for shielding public records related to Kennebec County jail
The Maine County Commissioners Association Risk Pool is the first government entity in Maine to be penalized for wrongly withholding documents since the Freedom of Access Act became law in 1959.
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PublishedAugust 30, 2023
Free consultancy work of failed UMA president raises questions about university payout deal
Maine's state university system officials say Michael Laliberte is meeting the requirements of a settlement that has netted him nearly $300,000, but they refuse to provide proof.
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PublishedAugust 10, 2023
Central Maine town councilor blows whistle on ‘secret meetings’ held at chairman’s property
While councilor Jerry Quirion claims a quorum of councilors have discussed town business in secret at Peter Drapeau's property, the chairman said the claim is false and part of a personal vendetta.
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PublishedMarch 12, 2023
Commentary: Maine’s ‘sunshine’ law has lost its power to illuminate
In recent years, the Freedom of Access Act process has become increasingly unreliable. If we care about transparency, we have no choice but to reform it.
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PublishedMarch 4, 2023
Access denied: Authorities refuse to release records for Maine school shooter hoax calls
First Amendment advocates across New England say the sweeping decision sets a dangerous precedent.
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PublishedJanuary 3, 2023
School districts overwhelmed with public records requests
Some school districts throughout Maine say they're receiving more FOAA requests than ever before, following national efforts by education-focused conservative groups.
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PublishedDecember 15, 2022
Maine Voices: Gorham educators under attack for political ends
Processes in place to ensure parents have a role in the oversight of the schools have been hijacked.