FOIA: Are You Aware of the Requirements?

Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) details requirements for notice and access to public meetings, recordkeeping, and requests for information. It applies to all local government agencies, departments, institutions, boards, commissions, and authorities and their committees.

• Three kinds of meetings recognized under FOIA
• Requirements for public access, recordkeeping, and release of information
• When can the public be excluded?
• How to handle complaints

A Freedom of Information Commission report concluded that the FOIA is widely misunderstood and ignored by municipal officials. All board, committee, and commission members need to understand the requirements of FOIA to avoid costly and embarrassing complaints.

Overview of the FOIA
     - FOIA - CGS Sections 12001241
 
Legal requirements for meetings
     - Identify the difference between a meeting and caucus
 
Public records
     - Maintaining records
     - Handling requests
     - What must be disclosed
     - What need not be disclosed
 
FOI Commission Complaints
     - Top reasons for complaints
     - How to handle
 
Penalties & Costs of Noncompliance
     - Criminal charges

• Board, Commission & Committee Chairs and Members
• Staffs to Boards and Commissions
• Mayors/First Selectmen
• Town/City Managers
• Town/City Clerks
• Town/City Attorneys
• Department Heads

*This seminar may provide participants with MCLE credits required under the new rule of the Judges of the Superior Court. To determine whether this seminar would qualify you for MCLE credits please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions about the new MCLE requirements by clicking here.

Become a Certified Connecticut Municipal Official (CCMO) today! This workshop is good for 3 credit hours of Organizational Development that can be used towards completing you certification. For more information such as details on requirements and how to get started, please visit www.ccm-ct.org/ccmo.

Henry J. Zaccardi, Esq.,
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Mr. Zaccardi is involved in representation of public and private employers and nonprofit organizations in all aspects of labor relations and employment law.
 
Thomas A. Hennick
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
Mr. Hennick is the Freedom of Information Commission's Public Education Officer.

• Non-Members - $120 per attendee, (see registration info below)
  
• FREE to CCM-Members, (see registration info below)
  

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