The Public Records Law broadly defines “public records” to include “all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements, statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee” of any Massachusetts governmental entity.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right of access to public information.

A redaction will depend on the information you are requesting. Certain information such as “employment applications, employee work evaluations, disciplinary documentation, and promotion, demotion, or termination information pertaining to a particular employee,” may be withheld

This link - https://www.wayland.ma.us/town-manager/pages/access-public-records will provide the names of the individuals depending on the department.

Public records contain information, minutes, files, accounts, or any other documents that a governmental body is required to maintain, and must be accessible to the public.

A records custodian may charge a reasonable fee to recover the costs of complying with a public records request. However, it is important to note that a fee for a public record may not be charged unless the RAO responded to the requestor within 10 business days under G. L. c. 66, § 10(b), described above.

The updated Public Records Law and its Regulations provide for the following with respect to fees to access public records:

Fees for segregating and redacting An agency or municipality shall not assess a fee for time spent segregating and redacting a requested record unless such segregation or redaction is required by law or approved by the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor) through a petition discussed below. As described in the Definitions section, “segregation time” means the time used to review records to determine what portions are subject to redaction or withholding under G. L. c. 4, § 7(26) or other legally applicable privileges. Segregation time shall not include time expended to review a record for accuracy and correct errors.

If your public records request is denied, you can appeal to the Supervisor of Records.

Records custodians have to comply with requests within ten (10) business days. If they do not respond, you can file an appeal. You have to file the appeal within ninety (90) calendar days of the request.

If you have received a response, you can appeal within 90 days of the response.

To petition an appeal, you must send the Supervisor of Records copies of the following:

The written request

The written response, if any

A brief letter detailing the reason for the appeal

You may mail, fax or email your appeal. See the Contact Us page for information on how to reach the Public Records Division. Requesters must also provide a copy of the appeal petition to the records custodian.

For more information on the appeals process, please see 950 CMR 32.08 (1) or our publication, A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF).