Welcome to MuckRock's Maine Freedom of Access Act appeal guide!
Each entry provides background and context about an exemption to the public records laws in all fifty states, as well as federal FOIA. Read more about Maine's public records law or explore all our expert FOIA guides. Have a public records appeal or information on an exemption we should include? Consider sharing your knowledge with everyone by donating your FOIA appeal language.
Legislative Records
This guide is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and is not legal opinion nor legal advice regarding any specific issue or factual circumstance.
The definition of “public body” used by Maine Freedom of Access Act does not exempt the legislative branch.
Example Appeals
Maine Freedom of Access Act Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1,Chapter 13, Subchapter 1 § 402 (3) states "means any written, printed or graphic matter or any mechanical or electronic data compilation from which information can be obtained, directly or after translation into a form susceptible of visual or aural comprehension, that is in the possession or custody of an agency or public official of this State or any of its political subdivisions, or is in the possession or custody of an association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of one or more of any of these entities, and has been received or prepared for use in connection with the transaction of public or governmental business or contains information relating to the transaction of public or governmental business"
Legislative records are not exempt.
Please provide the responsive materials forthwith. If such materials cannot be produced, please provide an appropriate explanation for this rejection, as is dictated by this agency's legal obligations under the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Your accelerated attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Proper Use
Exemptions apply, however legislative records cannot be categorically denied.
Improper Use
According to Maine Freedom of Access Act “means any written, printed or graphic matter or any mechanical or electronic data compilation from which information can be obtained, directly or after translation into a form susceptible of visual or aural comprehension, that is in the possession or custody of an agency or public official of this State or any of its political subdivisions, or is in the possession or custody of an association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of one or more of any of these entities, and has been received or prepared for use in connection with the transaction of public or governmental business or contains information relating to the transaction of public or governmental business”
Key Citations
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1,Chapter 13, Subchapter 1 § 402 (3)