Statutory Exceptions to Maine's Freedom of Access Act

In Maine, there are over 300 statutory exceptions to the Freedom of Access Act’s definition of a public record. Many of these exceptions specifically designate a certain type of record, or a class of information within a record, as confidential or otherwise not subject to the Freedom of Access laws. For example, 22 M.R.S.A. s. 1711-C (2) specifically provides that an individual’s health care information is confidential and cannot be disclosed unless authorized by that individual. Consequently, this information will not be subject to a Freedom of Access request.

A search tool maintained by the Maine Legislative Council on behalf of the Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee has been developed that allows you to search by keyword or category for statutory exceptions to the Freedom of Access Law.

You can access the search tool at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/foa/. Please note: By clicking this link, you will be leaving the Maine Freedom of Access Act website.