VERMONT SECRETARY OF STATE - Jim Condos
	Divisions: Home Archives Corporations Elections Professional Regulation Other Programs Secretary's Desk

Vermont State Archives

Vermont Public Records and the Right to Know:
An Overview
This Guide was published in 2003 and is no longer being updated. Please see the Right To Know website for more information.

 

Though Vermont’s general assembly and courts are just beginning (August 2003) to address electronic records, there is a body of law and case law guiding the management of public records.  To limit legal challenges, agencies must be familiar with these mandates and incorporate them into their recordkeeping systems.

 

The following overview provides examples of the various record mandates, including definitions of public records, rights of access, exemptions from public inspection, etc.  It is arranged as a series of questions that will lead the user to examples of record requirements under that topic.

 

The overview is to help agency managers understand the types of questions they must answer in order to build effective recordkeeping systems.  It is also a guide for citizens who want to understand their basic rights of access to public records.

Note: Dylan Grimes, a Vermont Law School student (summer 2003) compiled and helped present the various records statutes.  His help was crucial and greatly appreciated.

What are the Policy Reasons Behind the Right To Know?

What is a Public Record?

• Exemptions to disclosure (general)
• Exemptions to disclosure (specific)

What are the Basic Rights to Access?

What is the Procedure for Responding to a Public Record Request?

How is the Public Records Act Enforced?

What are the Penalties for Violating the Public Records Laws?

What are the Requirements for Managing Public Records?

Is There a Requirement to Create Records?

DISCLAIMER

Last updated August, 2003