Resources for navigating FOIA in the tri-state area
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that provides access to public records and information held by government agencies in Connecticut. To obtain records from a public agency in Connecticut, you must request them from the agency that has those records. You have the right to view public records without obtaining
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that provides access to public records and information held by government agencies in Connecticut. To obtain records from a public agency in Connecticut, you must request them from the agency that has those records. You have the right to view public records without obtaining a copy, as well as the right to obtain copies. The agency may ask you to put your request in writing, regardless of whether you wish to inspect or receive copies.
However, an agency can only require you to put your request in writing if you wish to obtain copies. There is no universal form for making a records request in Connecticut, although some agencies have created one for their own use. Simply articulate what records you seek as succinctly and specifically as possible. Make sure the request is made directly to the department in the agency that has the records. Municipal agencies may charge a maximum of $.50 per page, and state agencies may charge a maximum of $.25 per page. Other fees may be charged for certified copies of public records or for transcriptions, printouts or records on electronic media.
The Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”), Article 6 (Sections 84-90) of the NYS Public Officers Law, provides the public right to access to records maintained by government agencies with certain exceptions. “Record” means any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with, or for this agency, in any physical form whatsoever
The Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”), Article 6 (Sections 84-90) of the NYS Public Officers Law, provides the public right to access to records maintained by government agencies with certain exceptions. “Record” means any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with, or for this agency, in any physical form whatsoever including, but not limited to, reports, statements, examinations, memoranda, opinions, folders, files, books, manuals, pamphlets, forms, papers, designs, drawings, maps, photos, letters, microfilms, computer tapes or disks, rules, regulations or codes.
New York State is continuing to improve the FOIL process. State agencies and authorities are moving from the Open FOIL form and process to an improved FOIL processing application called GovQA. Until an agency/authority transitions to GovQA, you may continue to use the Open FOIL form to submit a FOIL request. Once a New York State agency has moved to the GovQA platform, it will no longer be found on Open FOIL.
OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. The law is compiled in the statutes as N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
Specifically, OPRA is intended to:
OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to
OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. The law is compiled in the statutes as N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
Specifically, OPRA is intended to:
OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. The law is compiled in the statutes as N.J.S.A.47:1A-1 et seq.
Create an administrative appeals process if access is denied; and
Define what records are and are not “government records.”
The 2023 Call to Action is the recommended Call to Action for MMIP legislative, policy, and procedural changes that are felt to be necessary to resolve key elements of the MMIP Crisis. These calls to action are based off of the Calls to Justice from Canada and West and South Americas.
MuckRock helps anyone file, track and share public records requests, using a mix of software and hands-on help to make the process as easy and transparent as possible.
Looking for our MuckRock Data?
info@urbanindigenouscollective.org
Other Materials are documents, presentations, and support and resource materials created during the MMIWGT2S-NYC 2022-2023 year that have been used at UIC events, webinars, events, etc. that may be useful for Education on the issues surrounding the MMIP Crisis.
Available Materials
As part of the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR), the Benjamin B. Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention (HRAP) Clinic provides students with hands-on legal training under the supervision of clinical professors and faculty members.
The Clinic adheres to the Institute’s three-part strategy of preventing genocide and mass atrocities, recognizing that it implies protecting populations and rebuilding during and after crisis. The HRAP Clinic trains the next generation of human rights advocates while offering students the opportunity to make a difference. Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum, Director.
Samantha Lauring is in her second year at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She is a student in the Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic and is working on its MMIWGT2S project. She is also a staff editor on Cardozo’s International and Comparative Law Review. Samantha is interested in studying human rights and gender and the law. S
Samantha Lauring is in her second year at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She is a student in the Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic and is working on its MMIWGT2S project. She is also a staff editor on Cardozo’s International and Comparative Law Review. Samantha is interested in studying human rights and gender and the law. She has already learned so much and is ready to help UIC bring visibility to MMIWGT2S.
Ariella Omar is a second-year student at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She entered law school with the goal of participating in the Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic. Ariella is interested in family law but has always had a focus in domestic/international law throughout the years. She is grateful to be a part of the team combatting the MMIWGT2S Crisis.
Aideen Byrne is a Visiting Researcher Scholar at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she works with the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR) and the Benjamin B Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic (HRAPC). Aideen employs a multidisciplinary, intersectional and trauma-informed approach to atro
Aideen Byrne is a Visiting Researcher Scholar at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she works with the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR) and the Benjamin B Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic (HRAPC). Aideen employs a multidisciplinary, intersectional and trauma-informed approach to atrocity prevention, human rights and access to justice, with a focus on Indigenous rights, environmental justice and spirituality. Aideen holds a Law and Politics Joint Honors degree from Dublin City University and an LLM in International Law from Edinburgh Law School.
Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum is Associate Professor of Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she directs the Benjamin B. Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic and the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR). Jocelyn’s scholarship focuses on human rights, public health, and atrocity prevention,
Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum is Associate Professor of Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she directs the Benjamin B. Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic and the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR). Jocelyn’s scholarship focuses on human rights, public health, and atrocity prevention, especially related to preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based crimes, slavery and the slave trade, Indigenous rights, and human rights violations against minority groups. She holds a JD from Cornell Law School and an MPH from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
October 14th, 2024 | 7:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with an unforgettable night of joy, connection, and support for Urban Natives. Immerse yourself in a multi-floor journey through the teachings of the Medicine Wheel with spiritual readings, cacao activation, and more!