What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables people to obtain information from the government through a “FOIA” request.

The Freedom of Information Commission’s mission is to administer and enforce the provisions of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, and to thereby ensure citizen access to the records and meetings of public agencies in the State of Connecticut.

What Can Attorney Zimberlin Do For You? 

• Attorney Zimberlin can assist you in gaining access to records from state and local governments using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as well as local public records laws.
• Attorney Zimberlin can assist you in making requests to obtain government records and provide legal assistance in pursuing administrative appeals and related litigation. She has considerable experience in successfully receiving public documents and meeting notes from administrative agencies.
• If you feel that you have been denied a right guaranteed by the Freedom of Information Act navigate your claim through the Freedom of Information Commission.

Here is the nutshell scope of what the FOI Commission does

• The FOI Commission hears complaints from persons who have been denied access to the records or meetings of public agencies in Connecticut.
• Any person denied the right to get a copy of a public record, or denied access to a meeting of a public agency, may file a complaint against the public agency within 30 days of the denial.
• The FOI Commission will conduct a hearing on the complaint
• A decision is then rendered by the FOI Commission finding the public agency either in violation of the FOI Act or dismissing the complaint if the public agency is found not to have violated the FOI Act.
• If the public agency has violated the FOI Act, the FOI Commission can order the disclosure of public records, null and void a decision reached during a public meeting, or impose other appropriate relief.

In general, FOIA regulates two broad areas:

• The disclosure of public records; and
• The conduct of public meetings.

There are numerous exclusions and exemptions of when an agency does not have to turn over material. Contact Attorney Zimberlin to find out if your request falls into one of these pitfalls.