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Explore our coverage of government and politics.

What Happens When Public Records Requests Become A Fight?

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Requesting public records in Vermont can be met with irregular enforcement of the state's public records law. That's just one of the barriers that can keep citizens from accessing public documents.

Just how open are Vermont's public records? Vermont Edition delves into what it's like to access—and fight for—public records in our state.

Investigative reporter Hilary Niles has documented the struggles of Vermonters when accessing public records, identifying irregular enforcement of thestate's public records law as one of barriers that can keep citizens from accessing public records.

Niles joins Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos to talk about access to public records in Vermont, and efforts Condos' office is undertaking to address shortcomings and improve access to the state's public meetings and open records.

Niles, along with the Society of Professional Journalists Freedom of Information Committee and the ACLU of Vermont, is conducting an online survey of Vermonters and their experiences accessing public records.

Broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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