Coalition and Fellow Amici Argue for Broad Interpretation of Law, More Transparency FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently argued to the Vermont Supreme Court that private entities performing essential government services are subject to the state’s public records law. Courts throughout the country apply […]

NEFAC Will Honor White House Correspondent at 11th Annual Awards Ceremony on April 21 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will present its 2021 Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award to Yamiche Alcindor, the White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour. Named after the late publisher of […]

Registration Now Open FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org 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 […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition is seeking nominations for its 2021 Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award. The FOI Award is given each year to a New England journalist or team of journalists for a body of work from the previous calendar year that […]

The goal of Sunshine Week — March 14-20 this year with related events occurring throughout the month — is to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know. If you are looking for […]

 New England First Amendment Awards April 21 | 7 p.m. EST | Online All Proceeds to Benefit Civics and First Amendment Education in New England About the New England First Amendment Awards Admission Step One: Become a NEFAC Sustaining Member with a $50 annual contribution. (If you are already a Sustaining Member, thank you! […]

Senate Bill 471 Would Prevent Future Hearings From Unnecessary Secrecy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org Note: NEFAC followed up this testimony with supplemental comments on Feb. 10, addressing the concerns of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police. Read that letter here. The New England First Amendment Coalition recently argued in […]

Senate Bill 39 Would Reverse Recent Court Decision, Reinstate an ‘Environment of Secrecy’ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org Note: NEFAC and other advocates followed up this testimony with a joint letter on Jan. 25 opposing an amendment to SB 39 that the groups called “problematic” and “harmful to government transparency.” […]

‘It Should Be Done’: Advocates Demand Access | Bennington Banner 12.4.20 In New England, states at the forefront of giving access include Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, according to the New England First Amendment Coalition. They allow the public to attend either by listening in over the phone or watching the proceedings online. Access […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently trained the Burlington (Vt.) City Council on the state’s Open Meeting Law, emphasizing the need for transparency within municipal government. “What we always encourage — whether it’s a question under the Open Meeting Law or the Public Records […]