New England First Amendment Coalition

October 2025

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Massachusetts

NEFAC Continues Open Meeting Law Reform Advocacy, Pushes for Required Hybrid Access

“Everyone in the Commonwealth should have the same opportunities to engage with their government and to make sure their voices are being heard," NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman explained during an Oct. 14 legislative hearing. "This bill would allow everyone — not just those who have the time and means to travel or those who enjoy reliable Internet access — but everyone an opportunity to engage with government in the way that works for them. It’s what’s equitable and fair and what’s needed to make our democracy work.”

▶ View Testimony

▶ Learn About NEFAC's Ongoing Advocacy for Hybrid Access

New Hampshire

NEFAC Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s DUI Case, Argues for Arrest Records Release

The coalition is fighting attempts to keep secret the arrest records of actor Nicholas Braun who was recently arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. Braun, who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Greg Hirsch in the HBO show “Succession,” was driving in Moultonborough, N.H., when he was stopped by police.

The Moultonborough Police Department, however, is refusing to disclose the arrest records and other materials despite requirements by the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) that they be released. The department has a policy that such materials are not released during a prosecution — a claim rejected by a New Hampshire Superior Court in a separate case last year.

“Just because a case is being prosecuted, does not necessarily justify under 91-A the withholding of records, including police reports,” wrote NEFAC in an Oct. 13 letter to Moultonborough Police Chief Peter W. Beede, Jr.

▶ Read Letter

▶ Learn More About the Right-to-Know Law

ICYMI

▶ NEFAC, First Amendment Scholars Argue for Right to Record in Second Circuit

▶ Op/Ed: For Open Meeting Laws to Work, We Need to Show Up

▶ NEFAC, VPA to Vermont Judiciary Officials: Require Livestreaming of Criminal Proceedings

Thank You to Our Supporters

NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors ($10,000+) and Major Supporters ($2,500-$9,999):

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Rhode Island Foundation

The Boston Globe

Paul and Ann Sagan

The Robertson Foundation

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

Boston University

Hearst Connecticut Media Group

Academy of New England Journalists