State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Massachusetts
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Massachusetts under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (est. 1973).
Overview of Public Records in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' public records framework was significantly overhauled in 2016 through comprehensive reform legislation that strengthened the state's Public Records Law and created the position of Supervisor of Records. The reforms addressed long-standing complaints about high fees, slow response times, and inadequate enforcement. Massachusetts' system is notable for its mix of county-level and municipal-level record keeping, with the state having abolished most county government functions. The law applies to all state agencies, municipalities, and other government bodies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Massachusetts
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 10 business days. They may extend by up to an additional 15 business days with written justification explaining the reason more time is needed.
Fees and Costs
Standard copy fees are $0.05 per page for black-and-white copies, one of the lowest rates in the country. Agencies may charge for staff time exceeding 4 hours at a rate of $25 per hour. Fee waivers are available for requests in the public interest.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing. The Secretary of the Commonwealth provides a standardized request form, though its use is not mandatory. Requests may be submitted by mail, email, or fax.
Appeal Process
The Supervisor of Records reviews appeals at no cost and issues binding orders that agencies must comply with. If the agency fails to comply, the requester may petition the Superior Court for enforcement.
Types of Public Records Available in Massachusetts
Property Records
Property records in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Massachusetts election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Public Records
To request records in Massachusetts, submit a written request to the records access officer (RAO) at the relevant government agency. Each public body must designate an RAO. Agencies must respond within ten business days. If access is denied or fees seem unreasonable, you can appeal to the Supervisor of Records in the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, who can order release of records. Massachusetts registry of deeds offices maintain property records, and the Massachusetts Trial Court provides online access to some case information.
Online Access
Massachusetts Land Records are accessible online through the Registry of Deeds in most counties. MassCourts provides electronic case access. The Secretary of the Commonwealth provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Massachusetts
While the Massachusetts Public Records Law 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 Massachusetts.
- Records specifically exempted by other state statutes
- Personnel and medical files of government employees
- Criminal investigation records in active cases
- Trade secrets and proprietary data
- Inter-agency and intra-agency memoranda and deliberative materials
- Personal data in publicly-funded higher education records
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts Public Records Law
Enacted: 1973
Massachusetts' Public Records Law is codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 and Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 26. The landmark 2016 reform (Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2016) created the Supervisor of Records position, established a ten-business-day response deadline, mandated that each agency designate a records access officer, and allowed courts to award attorney fees. The reform also addressed electronic records and established fee guidelines.
Key Features of Massachusetts's Records Law:
- Massachusetts underwent a major public records reform in 2016 creating the Supervisor of Records
- The state abolished most county government functions, decentralizing records to municipalities
- The Supervisor of Records can order agencies to release records and set reasonable fees
- Each agency must designate a Records Access Officer
Massachusetts Public Records Facts
Massachusetts has 351 cities and towns maintaining local government records
The state has 21 registries of deeds across its counties and districts
Massachusetts has approximately 4.7 million registered voters
The Secretary of the Commonwealth maintains records for over 500,000 business entities
Search Massachusetts Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Massachusetts. Enter a name below to search public records in MA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Public Records
What changed in the 2016 Massachusetts public records reform?
How do I access Massachusetts court records?
How do I search Massachusetts property records?
How do I appeal a records denial in Massachusetts?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Massachusetts Public Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Massachusetts 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.