NEW HAMPSHIRE’S right-to-know law is meant to ensure transparency and accountability in our government, but citizens often run into roadblocks attempting to get state and local agencies to live up to the letter and intent of the law.

Currently, the right-to-know law (RSA 91-A) requires citizens to file a petition in Superior Court to resolve any right-to-know grievance they may have with a public body or agency. This requirement establishes a high burden and cost on all parties.

The Center for Public Integrity, evaluated the freedom of information laws of all 50 states as part of its 2015 State Integrity Investigation. In the Category of Public Access to Information, New Hampshire earned a grade of F, ranking 49th out of 50 states.

Senate Bill SB 555 has been introduced by Senator Bob Giuda to implement the Ombudsman and Citizens’ Right to Know Appeals Commission. A hearing on SB 555 is scheduled for Tuesday January 23 at 10:15 in Room SH 100. Please contact your legislators and ask them to support this bill and make the process of resolving right to know grievances easier for all citizens.

Read more… Senate Bill to establish an Ombudsman to resolve complaints