NEFAC, MFOIC Say Rules Would Create a Cloud of Secrecy Around Many Proceedings and Records The New England First Amendment Coalition recently criticized proposed probate court rules in Maine that would diminish accountability and unreasonably interfere with public access. “We are concerned that the proposed rules are written without adequate consideration having been given to […]
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Access to Search Warrants Critical to Public’s Right to Know About Law Enforcement, Judicial System The New England First Amendment Coalition recently recommended changes to trial court practices that often make it difficult to access search warrant records in Massachusetts. “These documents are subject to the public records law and often inform reporting on critical […]
A coalition of democracy, disability access, and open government advocates — including the New England First Amendment Coalition — wrote to Massachusetts legislators today in support of guaranteed hybrid meetings. “We oppose as inadequate any legislation, including the Municipal Empowerment Act, that seeks only to make the pandemic remote meeting rules permanent,” the groups wrote […]
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides for the “right of the people to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” But what does that mean and how does it work? The New England First Amendment Coalition and the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications will present on March 10 a Sunshine Week […]
Coalition Opposes LD 152 Which Would Allow Agencies 30 Days to Respond to Public Record Requests Under Freedom of Access Act The New England First Amendment Coalition submitted testimony today against a Maine bill that would allow state and local agencies 30 days to respond to public record requests. The state’s Freedom of Access Act […]
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey filed today the Municipal Empowerment Act. A coalition of democracy, disability access, and open government advocates — including the New England First Amendment Coalition — expressed strong concerns about the bill’s consequences for access to local government meetings. The proposal would make the format of local open meetings completely discretionary instead […]
Update: Judge Cannone responded on Jan. 31 that Voss will not be required to disclose her notes. In her order, Cannone wrote that: “Voss has articulated a compelling argument that requiring disclosure of the notes poses a greater risk to the free flow of information than the other materials produced. Conversely, the Commonwealth has not […]
Update 3.26.25: Court officials responded to the letter by saying that as “the Supreme Court moves forward with the implementation of re:Search your concerns will be raised to Tyler Technologies.” The New England First Amendment Coalition and several Rhode Island open government advocates — collectively known as Access/RI — are again offering their guidance before the […]
The New England First Amendment Coalition will lead three upcoming classes at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications. The classes will be held online and are free to attend. The classes will be taught by: Justin Silverman is executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition. A Massachusetts-based attorney, Silverman helps lead NEFAC’s First […]
The New England First Amendment Coalition recently continued its international outreach with constitutional lessons for Lebanese and African journalists, academics and community advocates. The U.S. State Department sponsors short-term visits to the United States for foreign officials, executives, journalists and other professionals to learn about a variety of topics, including the First Amendment. Since 2011, […]