Massachusetts Regulations Should Be Freely Available On-Line

A truly open government allows free access to public information whenever possible. Charging a fee for public information makes it harder for people to access that information. The Massachusetts Public Records Law embodies this philosophy. It only allows public officials to charge requesters a reasonable fee based on the cost of searching for and copying the records requested. In addition, public officials are encouraged to waive fees where disclosure would benefit the public interest. Why, then, does it cost $119 to access the Code of Massachusetts Regulations on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website? It should be free as it is in other states, for example, California and Virginia. The Secretary of the Commonwealth oversees the Public Records Division which oversees compliance with the Public Records Law. He, of all government officials, should be particularly sensitive to allowing easy access to public information. Hopefully Secretary Galvin will see the light and change this policy. Everyone should have easy access to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, not just those people who can afford it.