FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition wrote to New Hampshire state senators today about a bill that would restrict access to police mugshots, calling the proposal “a dangerous and unjustified infringement” upon the public’s right to know and the ability of journalists to report the news. […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition and the Society of Professional Journalists New England are offering lessons on the federal Freedom of Information Act and state public record laws. The short introductory classes will feature expert instructors and be moderated by Emily Sweeney, a reporter […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition, along with several media organizations, is suing Vermont court officials over delays in public access to judicial documents. “The First Amendment provides the press and public with a presumptive right of access to newly filed civil complaints, and where […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently opposed legislation that would make secret the towns and cities of residence for Rhode Island police officers. “At a time when citizens throughout the state — and country — are demanding more transparency and accountability within police departments, this […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition expressed concerns to the Maine Attorney General today about proposed restrictions to the state’s vanity license plate program. The Maine Transportation Committee earlier this month voted to advance LD 130, legislation that would give the Secretary of State broad power […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce two law school fellows who will be helping the organization throughout the summer. Jon Cubetus and Clayton Spivey are both rising second-year students at Boston College Law School. “We’re very excited to have Clay and […]

The New England First Amendment Coalition recently launched a monthly educational series featuring short, practical lessons on journalism and the First Amendment. The goal of the program — called “30 Minute Skills” — is to provide reporters and other citizens knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition testified today in support of in-person access for the public and press to future Vermont legislative hearings. “This is a matter of accountability,” explained NEFAC’s Michael Donoghue at a May 6 hearing of the Vermont Sentate Institutions Committee on […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition called on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to consider the rights of journalists while investigating police treatment of citizens during recent protests in Louisville and Minneapolis. “This is an opportunity for the attorney general to protect the free press […]

Coalition Testifies Against LD 923, Explains First Amendment Protections for Freedom of the Press FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition testified today against a Maine bill that would require news organizations to publish updates to certain stories and limit the use of mugshots in reporting. […]