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February 2026

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New Hampshire

Proposed Citizens-Only Restriction on Access to Public Records a 'Barrier to Information'

New England First Amendment Coalition's Mark Hayward recently testified against legislation that would allow New Hampshire public agencies to deny records to those who are not considered “citizens.”

“We see Senate Bill 626 as a trade barrier to information,” Hayward explained on behalf of NEFAC at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the bill. “We’re a small state and we’re surrounded by other small states. People travel between our states. They transact business. They form relationships.”

▶ View Full Testimony

▶ Read Feb. 3 Statement Against SB 626

Vermont

Restricting Online Access to Criminal Records is Unconstitutional; State Law Needs Revision

The New England First Amendment Coalition recently testified against an unconstitutional law that prohibits the posting of Vermont criminal records online for public access. 

The Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic provided both oral and written testimony on behalf of NEFAC. Anna Selbrede, a student director at the clinic, said that the current law “makes it nearly impossible for journalists and members of the public to follow criminal prosecutions and to monitor the functioning of the criminal courts.”

▶ View Full Testimony

▶ Read Feb. 6 Statement in Favor of H.572

Maine

Proposal to Automatically Seal Criminal Records Poses 'Grave Constitutional Problems'

NEFAC and several local media advocates are opposing a bill that would automatically seal many criminal records in Maine. 

Rather than requiring judges to make sealing decisions on a case-by-case basis, LD 1911 would result in the categorical sealing of certain criminal records regardless of circumstances and after an arbitrary period of time. 

This legislation is rife with “grave constitutional problems,” wrote NEFAC, the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition, Maine Press Association and the Maine Association of Broadcasters in a letter to the state’s Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary. 

▶ Read Feb. 3 Letter Against LD 1911

▶ View WGME Interview with NEFAC's Justin Silverman

NEFAC, Press Groups: Misapplication of Group Libel Law Threatens Journalism

NEFAC and other press advocates recently warned a federal court that a decision in Maine threatens journalism and commentary on public policies.

In Bean Maine Lobster v. Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation, a report by the foundation about the fishing industry’s impact on endangered right whales discussed data and industry practices of more than 5,600 lobster fishermen.

Despite not being named in the report, three seafood companies and two trade associations sued the foundation claiming libel.

“The District Court departed from the precedent of this Circuit and weakened First Amendment protections for news and opinion journalism when it failed to apply the constitutional doctrine of opinion,” wrote NEFAC and fellow press groups in an amicus brief.

▶ Read Feb. 4 Amicus Brief

ICYMI

▶ NEFAC Joins National Effort to Oppose Pentagon Media Policy, Argues Against Unbridled Discretion

▶ Defending Journalists Against Indiscriminate Force By Federal Agents

▶ Applauding Advance of Bill to Require Hybrid Access for Open Meetings in Massachusetts