Getting Public Records
G.L. c. 66, § 10 — records within 10 business days, or a written answer saying why not
Ten business days. In Massachusetts, an agency's or town's records access officer permits inspection or furnishes a copy of a public record without unreasonable delay and not later than 10 business days after receiving a request that reasonably describes it, once any reasonable fee is paid.
If the agency will not produce a record, or needs more time, it says so in writing within those 10 business days, naming any record it will withhold and the specific exemption, and a timeframe that for an agency cannot exceed 15 business days, and for a municipality 25, after the request was received.
A requester who believes the response violates the law may petition the supervisor of records, who issues a written determination within 10 business days of receiving the petition.
A request may be delivered by hand, by first class mail, or by email to the address the agency posts.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 66, § 10 — Inspection and copies of public records
- G.L. c. 66, § 10A — Enforcing the public records law
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.