The public’s right to information about government activities lies at the heart of a democratic government. The Maine Freedom of Access Act (“FOAA”) grants the people of this state a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. The act also ensures the accountability of the government to the citizens of the state by requiring public access to the meetings of public bodies. Transparency and open decision-making are fundamental principles of the Maine Freedom of Access Act, and they are essential to ensuring continued trust and confidence in our government.
This website was created as part of the state’s ongoing effort to educate and inform state employees and the public about the Maine Freedom of Access Act. On the site, you will find general information about the Freedom of Access Act, including information on how to make a FOAA request, answers to frequently asked questions, and regular updates on other important freedom of access issues. Providing universal access to resources that will inform and educate state employees and the public on the Freedom of Access Act is not just an aim but a priority for the state.
Open government is good government and the state is committed to ensuring and protecting your “right to know.”
FAQs
The Maine Freedom of Access Act (“FOAA”) grants the people of this state a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens.
What are the exemptions for FOIA in Maine? ›
Maine Freedom of Access Act M.R.S.A.
Exempt in records: Certain law enforcement investigation documents; records of legislature; and university administrative committees. Closed in meetings: Certain personnel matters; attorney consultations; and student disciplinary considerations.
How much is the FOAA fee in Maine? ›
§ 408-A(4-A) As of October 18, 2021, a reasonable fee to cover the cost of copying is no more than 10 cents per page for a standard 8 ½ by 11 inch black and white copy. A per page fee may not be charged for records provided electronically.
What are the transparency laws in Maine? ›
Maine will require greater health care billing transparency under a bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law last week by Gov. Janet Mills. The goal is to prevent health care systems from charging hospital prices for services provided at non-hospital sites, such as infusion centers or outpatient clinics.
What is the easem*nt law in Maine? ›
When the easem*nt rights are not provided for in a deed or other written document, an easem*nt can be established by use or the history of the property at issue. If this right is disputed, the party claiming it must go through the courts to obtain a judgment that provides the scope and rights of the easem*nt.
What is the rule 79 in Maine? ›
79. Rule 79 - Books and Records Kept by the Clerk and Entries Therein (a) Civil Docket. The clerk shall keep the civil docket, and shall enter therein each civil action to which these rules are applicable.
What categories of government records are exempted from access by FOIA requests? ›
FOIA Exemptions and Exclusions
- Exemption One: Classified national defense and foreign relations information.
- Exemption Two: Internal agency personnel rules and practices.
- Exemption Three: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law.
The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not provide for the right to access records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted to obtain state and local records.
What material can be excluded from the information released by a FOIA request? ›
The nine exemptions are described below. Exemption 1: Information that is classified to protect national security. Exemption 2: Information related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency. Exemption 3: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law.
What is the difference between FOAA and FOIA? ›
FOAA does not apply to federal agencies operating in Maine or to federal government records. The similar federal statute “Freedom of Information Act” applies to the federal government but likewise does not apply to state or local government bodies, agencies or officials. Who Enforces the FOAA?
Maine has long been one of the freest states in the country personally and one of the least free economically—the opposite of states such as Alabama and Idaho.
Are divorce records public in Maine? ›
The Vital Records Unit of DHHS houses Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death records from 1923 to the present. Maine officially started keeping these records in 1892. Order records online from the State of Maine. You can also obtain records from the municipality where the event occurred.
What is invasion of computer privacy in Maine? ›
Criminal invasion of computer privacy. 1. A person is guilty of criminal invasion of computer privacy if the person intentionally accesses any computer resource knowing that the person is not authorized to do so.
What are the transparency rules? ›
The rules aim to ensure people have accurate and relevant information about a solicitor or firm when they are considering purchasing legal services and will help members of the public and small businesses make informed choices, improving competition in the legal market.
What is the purpose of the transparency Act? ›
What is the Corporate Transparency Act? Enacted in 2021, the CTA aims to combat illicit activity including tax fraud, money laundering, and financing for terrorism by capturing more ownership information for specific U.S. businesses operating in or accessing the country's market.
What are the protected classes in the Maine Human Rights Act? ›
Protected classes include: race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation (which includes gender identity and expression), physical or mental disability, religion, age, and other categories in certain contexts.
What is the constitutional right of access? ›
The First Amendment, as well as common law rights, also ensure the general public's access to judicial records and proceedings, although this access does not have to be free.
