How to File a Public Records Request in Connecticut
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted unanimously by the General Assembly in 1975, guarantees the public's right to inspect and copy records maintained by any public agency in the state. The law applies broadly to all state, municipal, and regional agencies, including boards, commissions, and authorities, as well as the administrative functions of the judiciary. Anyone may request records regardless of residency, and no statement of purpose is required. While the statute requires agencies to provide access 'promptly,' any written denial must be issued within four business days. The burden of proving that a record is exempt from disclosure rests squarely on the agency. Connecticut is notable for having a dedicated enforcement body — the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) — which investigates complaints, conducts hearings, and can impose civil penalties for violations.
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act
- Statutory Citation
- Connecticut General Statutes Title 1, Chapter 14 (§§ 1-200 through 1-242)
- Response Deadline
- 4 business days
- Fee Provisions
- Municipal agencies may charge up to $0.50 per page and state agencies up to $0.25 per page under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-212. Certified copies cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page. Agencies may require prepayment if fees exceed $10.00. Fee waivers are mandatory for indigent requesters, elected officials requesting records relevant to their duties, and when disclosure benefits the general welfare.
- Key Exemptions
- Connecticut FOIA contains approximately 25 exemptions under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-210(b). Major categories include preliminary drafts where public interest in withholding outweighs disclosure, personnel and medical files whose disclosure would invade personal privacy, law enforcement investigatory records, attorney-client privileged communications, trade secrets, collective bargaining records, certain real estate appraisals, and records whose disclosure would jeopardize security at government facilities.
- Appeal Process
- Any person denied access to records may appeal to the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) within 30 days of the denial under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-206(b). The FOIC assigns an ombudsman to mediate and, if unresolved, conducts an evidentiary hearing. The Commission can order disclosure and impose civil penalties of $20 to $5,000 against officials who deny access without reasonable grounds. Either party may appeal a FOIC decision to Connecticut Superior Court under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-183.
- Ombudsman
- Connecticut's Freedom of Information Commission assigns an ombudsman to each appeal to act as a liaison between the parties and attempt to settle the dispute before a formal hearing. The FOIC can be reached at (860) 566-5682 or [email protected].
Read the full text of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act
City FOIA Guides in Connecticut
Select a city below for a detailed guide on how to file a public records request with that municipality.
Need Help with Public Records in Connecticut?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Connecticut, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
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