State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Connecticut
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Connecticut under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (est. 1975).
Overview of Public Records in Connecticut
Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the nation, supported by an independent enforcement commission that provides free mediation and adjudication of records disputes. Enacted in 1975, the Connecticut FOIA declares that the public has a right of access to records of public agencies. The law is complemented by the Freedom of Information Commission, an independent state agency that investigates complaints and issues binding orders, making Connecticut unusual in having a dedicated administrative body for records enforcement.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Connecticut
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 4 business days. If they cannot provide records within that time, they must state a reason and provide an expected availability date.
Fees and Costs
Standard copying fees are typically $0.50 per page for the first 10 pages, then $0.25 per page thereafter. Fee waivers may be granted if disclosure primarily benefits the general public.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made to the public agency in writing. Email and online form submissions are widely accepted. No reason needs to be provided for the request.
Appeal Process
Connecticut has a dedicated Freedom of Information Commission that hears appeals at no cost. The Commission can order agencies to release records and impose penalties for noncompliance. This is one of the strongest enforcement mechanisms in the country.
Types of Public Records Available in Connecticut
Property Records
Property records in Connecticut include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Connecticut contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Connecticut election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Connecticut court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Connecticut include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Connecticut vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Connecticut document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Connecticut Public Records
To request records in Connecticut, you may submit a request in writing, by email, or even verbally to the relevant public agency. Agencies must respond within four business days. If your request is denied, you can file a complaint with the Freedom of Information Commission at no cost, and the commission will investigate and hold a hearing if necessary. Connecticut offers substantial online access to records, including court records through the Connecticut Judicial Branch website, property records through individual town assessor and clerk offices, and business filings through the Secretary of State's CONCORD database.
Online Access
Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system. The Secretary of State provides online business and UCC filing searches. Many towns offer online property records through their assessor websites.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Connecticut
While the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Connecticut.
- Records of strategy or negotiations in pending claims or litigation
- Trade secrets and proprietary information
- Personnel or medical files
- Names and addresses of jurors
- Tax return information
- Security plans for government buildings and infrastructure
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Connecticut provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Connecticut Freedom of Information Act
Enacted: 1975
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act is codified in Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-200 through 1-242. The act creates a presumption that all records maintained by public agencies are public records. The Freedom of Information Commission, established as part of the act, has the power to order disclosure and impose civil penalties on agencies that willfully violate the law. Connecticut's FOIA was updated in 2021 to address virtual meetings and electronic records.
Key Features of Connecticut's Records Law:
- Connecticut has an independent Freedom of Information Commission that adjudicates records disputes at no cost to requesters
- The FOI Commission can impose civil penalties on agencies for willful violations
- Connecticut law specifically provides that computer-stored records are subject to the FOIA
Connecticut Public Records Facts
Connecticut has 169 towns that maintain local government records
The Freedom of Information Commission handles approximately 500 complaints per year
Connecticut's land records system dates back to the 1600s in many towns
The state has approximately 2.3 million registered voters
Search Connecticut Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Connecticut. Enter a name below to search public records in CT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Public Records
What makes Connecticut's FOIA unique?
How do I file a FOIA complaint in Connecticut?
Are Connecticut property records available online?
How do I get Connecticut vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Connecticut or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.