Connecticut Public Records Law

Public record laws in Connecticut are governed by the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Connecticut's FOIA is a series of laws ensuring transparency of government operations, administration, and decisions by granting the public access to public records and files of public agencies.

The FOIA defines a public agency to include any executive, administrative, or legislative office of the State of Connecticut, or any political subdivision of the state or municipal agency, board, bureau, commission, department, school, district, or authority of the state. Also, public records or files refer to any recorded information about the conduct of the public's business as owned, prepared, used, or retained by the agency.

Where Do I Submit a Public Record Request in Connecticut?

Public records requests are typically submitted to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer or designated custodian of records for the specific government agency holding the records. Typically, public bodies have designated FOI Officers responsible for handling public records requests.

How Do I Request Public Records in Connecticut?

You may request Connecticut public records in the following way:

• Determine the agency holding the record you want
• Identify the FOI officer. You may visit the agency's website or call them to identify the FOI officer to address your request.
• Submit your request. Requests may often be submitted in person, online, by email, or in person. Ensure that you are specific about the record sought in your request and include contact information for correspondence

If you prefer alternative methods, you may consider any reliable third-party websites allowing users to find public records through their databases. Most of these sites offer public record search services for vital records, property records, and other public record types.

What Records are Public in Connecticut?

Connecticut's FOIA applies to all public agencies and their public records and files, except where an exemption grants the non-disclosure of such records. The following records are commonly sought by public record requesters in Connecticut:

• Vital Records: Although only limited information may be available to the public for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Basic information for these records may be accessed publicly
• Property Records: Examples include deeds, land records, property tax records, lien, and mortgage records
• Court Records: These include probate court records, superior court records, appellate court records, and supreme court records
• Law Enforcement Records: Examples include arrest records, incident reports, police reports, traffic accident reports, and jail and inmate records
• Government Financial Records: These include public contracts and bids, audit reports, and budget and expenditure records.

Who Can Request Public Records in Connecticut?

Per Connecticut FOIA provisions, every person has the right to inspect public records during regular business hours and copy such records if needed. Under the FOIA, "every person" is without reference to citizenship. Therefore, any individual, organization, firm, association, or company may submit a public record request in Connecticut.

What Is the Response Time for Public Records Requests in Connecticut?

Public agencies are required to respond promptly to public record requests in Connecticut. According to the state's FOIA, requesters may expect a response within four business days. This response may be an acknowledgement of the request including a timeline for fulfillment, denial of the request, or provision of the requested record.

What Is the Fee Charged for Providing Copies of Public Records?

Per Section 1-212 of the Connecticut FOIA, state agencies are allowed to charge up to $0.25 per page for copying public records. All other public agencies defined in Section 1-200 of the Act may charge no more than $0.50 per page. Note that additional fees may be charged for the certification of public record requests. Also, fees for electronic records may include the cost of storage devices.

What Records Are Exempted Under the Connecticut Public Law?

Certain exemptions exist in the Connecticut FOIA, preventing the public disclosure of some record types for various reasons such as confidentiality, sensitivity, and privacy. These exemptions are patterned after those in the federal FOIA and include the following:

• Preliminary notes or draft provided the public agency has determined that public interest in withholding the records outweighs the public interest in disclosure
• Personnel or medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
• Records of ongoing investigations, informant identities, and certain crime scene materials.
• Trade Secrets and Commercial Information
• Records, tax returns, reports, and statements exempted by federal law or state statutes or communications privileged by the attorney-client relationship
• Any information obtained by the use of illegal means
• Adoption records and information
• Test questions, scoring keys, and other materials used for licensing or employment exams
• Any records specifically exempted by state or federal law.