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New Hampshire Public Records Request — Open Public Records Act The New Hampshire Public Records Request, also known as the Open Public Records Act (RSA 91-A), is a state law that enables individuals to access and obtain public records held by various government agencies and departments in New Hampshire. The purpose of this act is to promote transparency, accountability, and the right to information. Under the Open Public Records Act, any person can request access to public records, regardless of their residency status or the reason for the request. The act applies to all governmental bodies, including state agencies, local municipalities, public schools, and law enforcement agencies. The process of making a public records request in New Hampshire typically involves submitting a written request to the custodian of the records. The request must include specific details about the records sought, such as the name of the requester, the purpose of the request, and a clear description of the requested records. However, individuals are not required to disclose their identity or the purpose of the request unless the records are of a confidential nature. The New Hampshire Public Records Request allows for a wide range of records to be accessed, including but not limited to: 1. Government Contracts and Agreements: This includes records related to contracts, bids, and agreements entered into by government agencies. 2. Meeting Minutes and Public Hearings: Individuals can request access to minutes, transcripts, audio or video recordings of public meetings and hearings held by governmental bodies. 3. Budgets and Fiscal Reports: This category includes information about the financial activities of government entities, including budget proposals, audits, and financial reports. 4. Public Employee Records: Requesters can access records related to government employees, such as employment contracts, salary information, and disciplinary actions. 5. Permits and Licenses: This covers permits and licenses issued by government agencies, including those related to businesses, construction, and professional certifications. 6. Land Records and Property Assessments: Records related to property ownership, land titles, deeds, and assessments can be requested under this category. It is important to note that certain types of records are exempt from public disclosure under RSA 91-A. These exemptions include personal medical records, certain law enforcement files, investigative reports, and confidential business records. In the state of New Hampshire, individuals have the right to challenge any denial of public records. They can file an appeal with the New Hampshire Superior Court to seek a review of the denial or to contest any violation of the Open Public Records Act. Overall, the New Hampshire Public Records Request — Open Public Records Act serves as a crucial tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information within the state. It ensures that government entities remain open and accountable to the public they serve while safeguarding personal privacy and confidential documents.
New Hampshire Public Records Request — Open Public Records Act The New Hampshire Public Records Request, also known as the Open Public Records Act (RSA 91-A), is a state law that enables individuals to access and obtain public records held by various government agencies and departments in New Hampshire. The purpose of this act is to promote transparency, accountability, and the right to information. Under the Open Public Records Act, any person can request access to public records, regardless of their residency status or the reason for the request. The act applies to all governmental bodies, including state agencies, local municipalities, public schools, and law enforcement agencies. The process of making a public records request in New Hampshire typically involves submitting a written request to the custodian of the records. The request must include specific details about the records sought, such as the name of the requester, the purpose of the request, and a clear description of the requested records. However, individuals are not required to disclose their identity or the purpose of the request unless the records are of a confidential nature. The New Hampshire Public Records Request allows for a wide range of records to be accessed, including but not limited to: 1. Government Contracts and Agreements: This includes records related to contracts, bids, and agreements entered into by government agencies. 2. Meeting Minutes and Public Hearings: Individuals can request access to minutes, transcripts, audio or video recordings of public meetings and hearings held by governmental bodies. 3. Budgets and Fiscal Reports: This category includes information about the financial activities of government entities, including budget proposals, audits, and financial reports. 4. Public Employee Records: Requesters can access records related to government employees, such as employment contracts, salary information, and disciplinary actions. 5. Permits and Licenses: This covers permits and licenses issued by government agencies, including those related to businesses, construction, and professional certifications. 6. Land Records and Property Assessments: Records related to property ownership, land titles, deeds, and assessments can be requested under this category. It is important to note that certain types of records are exempt from public disclosure under RSA 91-A. These exemptions include personal medical records, certain law enforcement files, investigative reports, and confidential business records. In the state of New Hampshire, individuals have the right to challenge any denial of public records. They can file an appeal with the New Hampshire Superior Court to seek a review of the denial or to contest any violation of the Open Public Records Act. Overall, the New Hampshire Public Records Request — Open Public Records Act serves as a crucial tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information within the state. It ensures that government entities remain open and accountable to the public they serve while safeguarding personal privacy and confidential documents.