According to experts, Massachusetts has one of the worst public records laws in the country, making it difficult for citizens to engage with lawmakers and making roadblocks for journalists trying to hold the powerful accountable. Since government officials do not legally have to forfeit documents requested by the press, they often don't, or they charge thousands of dollars for public records. Government websites are also hard to use, David Sharfenberg writes.
From the story: "Government websites are difficult to navigate. There are no clear penalties for state agencies that improperly deny public records requests. And the Legislature has exempted itself from the state’s public records and open meetings laws. Legislative leaders have long argued that private meetings allow for more candid — and more productive — conversations between lawmakers."
Read the full story in The Boston Globe.