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Public Records

Appealing a Public Records Request Denial

If your public records request is denied, you can appeal to the Supervisor of Records.

Records custodians must respond to requests within 10 business days. If they do not respond, you can file an appeal. You must file your appeal within 90 calendar days of the original request.

If you received a response, you can appeal within 90 calendar days of the response.

To petition an appeal, you must send the Supervisor of Records copies of the following:

  1. The written request
  2. The written response, if any received
  3. A brief letter detailing the reason for the appeal

You may mail, fax or your appeal. See the Contact Us page for information on how to reach the Public Records Division.

For more information on the appeals process, please see 950 CMR 32.08 (1) or our publication, A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF).