Connecticut FOIA

Sunshine Score

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Online posting: Required

File schedule of regular meetings with Secretary of State by January 31 annually; post special meeting notice at least 24 hours before on website and with Secretary of State or town clerk

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — unanimous consent, or majority vote if immediate action required

Public Participation

Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (CGS § 1-200 et seq.) does not mandate public comment at open meetings. Bodies set their own rules. FOIC decisions have held that a body cannot expel a person from a meeting for lawful public comment or criticism, but no statutory floor for a comment period is established.

Virtual Meetings

Allowed under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225a (eff. July 2021); meetings may be held entirely by electronic equipment. Remote members count toward quorum. Public must be provided real-time electronic access and comment opportunity.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

• Personnel
• Pending Litigation
• Real Property
• Security
• Trade Secrets
• Labor Negotiations

Meeting Minutes

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all actions taken, votes by member where applicable (CGS § 1-225)

Recording & Broadcast

Enforcement

Scope

This law applies to:

• City
• County
• School District
• Special District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Accessibility & Language Access

ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.

Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →