News

NEFAC Supports Mass. Legislation to Make Permanent Remote Access to Public Meetings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition testified today in support of legislation in Massachusetts that would preserve the ability of citizens to attend public meetings both remotely and in-person. Senate Bill 2082 and House Bill 3152 would require government agencies to provide remote access to all […]

30 Minute Skills: HIPAA and Public Records

The New England First Amendment Coalition recently launched a monthly educational series featuring short, practical lessons on journalism and the First Amendment. The goal of the program — called “30 Minute Skills” — is to provide reporters and other citizens knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism […]

NEFAC: Mugshot Secrecy Bill in New Hampshire Dangerous and Unjustified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition wrote to New Hampshire state senators today about a bill that would restrict access to police mugshots, calling the proposal “a dangerous and unjustified infringement” upon the public’s right to know and the ability of journalists to report the news. […]

NEFAC, SPJ to Offer Introductory Courses on Federal FOIA, State Public Record Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition and the Society of Professional Journalists New England are offering lessons on the federal Freedom of Information Act and state public record laws. The short introductory classes will feature expert instructors and be moderated by Emily Sweeney, a reporter […]

NEFAC, Media Organizations Sue Vermont Court Officials Over Access to Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition, along with several media organizations, is suing Vermont court officials over delays in public access to judicial documents. “The First Amendment provides the press and public with a presumptive right of access to newly filed civil complaints, and where […]

NEFAC Opposes Attempt to Make Police Officer Residency Data Secret in Rhode Island

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently opposed legislation that would make secret the towns and cities of residence for Rhode Island police officers. “At a time when citizens throughout the state — and country — are demanding more transparency and accountability within police departments, this […]

NEFAC: Proposed Vanity Plate Restrictions in Maine Constitutionally, Logistically Problematic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition expressed concerns to the Maine Attorney General today about proposed restrictions to the state’s vanity license plate program. The Maine Transportation Committee earlier this month voted to advance LD 130, legislation that would give the Secretary of State broad power […]

NEFAC Welcomes Two Boston College Law Students as Summer Legal Fellows

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce two law school fellows who will be helping the organization throughout the summer. Jon Cubetus and Clayton Spivey are both rising second-year students at Boston College Law School. “We’re very excited to have Clay and […]

30 Minute Skills: Data Visualization 101

The New England First Amendment Coalition recently launched a monthly educational series featuring short, practical lessons on journalism and the First Amendment. The goal of the program — called “30 Minute Skills” — is to provide reporters and other citizens knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism […]

NEFAC Testifies in Support of In-Person Public, Press Access to Vermont Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition testified today in support of in-person access for the public and press to future Vermont legislative hearings. “This is a matter of accountability,” explained NEFAC’s Michael Donoghue at a May 6 hearing of the Vermont Sentate Institutions Committee on […]