Public records

Public records in Massachusetts

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10.

Public records law in Massachusetts

Law: Massachusetts Public Records Law
Citation: M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10
Response deadline: The records access officer must respond within 10 business days (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10(a)). If more time is needed, the response may not exceed 15 business days from the request for state agencies or 25 business days for cities and towns, unless the Supervisor of Records grants more. No written response within 10 business days counts as a denial, and if the deadline is missed the agency cannot charge fees. Appeals go to the Supervisor of Records within 90 days.

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