Connecticut
Connecticut Freedom of Information Act
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-200 to 1-242
Transparency Score: 87/100
Response Timeline
4 business days to respond (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-212). Agency may extend by up to 1 additional business day if needed. Must provide records or denial within this timeframe.
No residency requirement. Any person may request public records.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
No specific format required. Requests should describe records sought with reasonable specificity.
Required Elements
- Description of records sought
- Contact information for response
Optional Elements
- Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
- Preferred delivery method
Fees
$0.50 per page maximum for standard copies. Actual cost for electronic copies. First $20 waived for certain requesters. Agencies may not charge fees exceeding actual cost.
Fee Waivers
- Indigency waiver available for those who cannot afford fees
- Public interest waiver at agency discretion
Indigency waiver is available. Public interest waiver is discretionary. First $20 may be waived for certain categories of requesters.
Exemptions
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Preliminary drafts or notes not retained in ordinary course (§1-210(b)(1))
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Personnel or medical files and similar files, disclosure of which would constitute invasion of personal privacy (§1-210(b)(2))
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Records of law enforcement agencies not otherwise available to the public (§1-210(b)(3))
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Trade secrets (§1-210(b)(5)(A))
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Communications privileged by attorney-client relationship (§1-210(b)(10))
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Tax returns, tax return information, and Social Security numbers (§1-210(b)(12))
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Records concerning security of information technology infrastructure (§1-210(b)(19))
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Real estate appraisals relative to acquisition of property (§1-210(b)(1))
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Test questions, scoring keys, and related examination data (§1-210(b)(5))
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Records of pending claims and litigation strategy (§1-210(b)(4))
Connecticut has numerous exemptions but the FOI Commission interprets them narrowly. The burden is on the agency to prove an exemption applies.
Appeal Process
1
File a complaint with the FOIC within 30 days of the denial. The FOIC is a unique administrative tribunal with binding authority - it can hold hearings, issue orders, and impose civil penalties.
2
Appeal the FOIC decision to Superior Court within 45 days. The court may award attorney fees at its discretion.
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) is one of the most powerful open records enforcement bodies in the United States. It has binding authority, can hold hearings, issue orders, and impose civil penalties. This provides a free, accessible administrative alternative to court litigation.
Request Templates
NFOIC Connecticut Sample Request →
National Freedom of Information Coalition
RCFP Open Government Guide - Connecticut →
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
MuckRock Connecticut Guide →
MuckRock
CT FOI Commission - How to File →
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
Records Retention
Conn. Gen. Stat. §11-8 and §11-8a
OPRA oversees the life cycle of public records for both state and local agencies. The Public Records Administrator and State Archivist must approve disposition of all public records.