PRR introduction
On June 3, 2016, “An Act to Improve Public Records” was signed into law, enhancing public access to information. That law went into effect January 1, 2017. While diligent efforts are made every day across the Executive Branch to respond to a large number of public record requests, this law provides standards that will improve our approach so as to reduce delays and costs that burden accessibility.
For additional information see Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2016 and 950 CMR 32.00: Public records access.
PRR tips
Consider how you can narrow the scope of your request to expedite the production process. The first four hours of work performed to respond to a PRR will be performed at no cost. After that, the agency may charge up to $25 per hour.
Public agencies must adhere to the law requiring them to secure personally identifiable information and prevent unwarranted invasions of privacy. Documents containing such information must be redacted carefully before releasing, expanding time needed for production. Consider how you might revise your PRR to exclude records containing such information.
Types of public records
DOR has several categories of public records, including the following:
- Forms and Instructions
- Public Written Statements
- Financial Information,
For example:- The current DOR Budget;
- The winning bid on contracts that DOR separately bids out (most DOR procurement is from the statewide bids, the results of which are listed on website Commbuys.com, which is the official procurement record system for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Departments);
- The Procurement File (on contracts that DOR separately bids out),
- Economic Data
For example,- Statistical information that DOR has already created
- Statutory Disclosures,
For example:- Annual report on tax credits;
- G.L. chapter 121A urban redevelopment tax returns;
- Settlements under G.L. chapter 62C, § 37A.
- Economic Data
- Certain Departmental Manuals,
- The Field Audit Manual;
- Child Support Policies and Procedures.
- Division of Local Services information, after certification,
For example:- Bureau of Local Assessment Property Sales Report;
- Bureau of Accounts forms, for example, a Balance Sheet
- Underground Storage Tank Program forms,
For example:- Applications for Reimbursement (i.e. claims)
- Applications for Reimbursement (i.e. claims)
- The Department of Revenue Annual Report.
As indicated in the list above, the public record you are seeking may be available on the DOR website.
See If a public record is unavailable online if you can't find what you are looking for on DOR's website.
If a public record is unavailable online
If a public record is not available on the DOR website, then you may request a copy by contacting:
|
DOR Tax Administration Roger H. Randall |
DOR Child Support Amy M. Clayman Counsel to the Commissioner Massachusetts Department of Revenue Child Support Services Division 100 Cambridge Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02114-9561 ClaymanA@dor.state.ma.us (800)-332-2733 |
Please make your request as narrow in scope as possible in order for DOR to timely respond to your request.
Please keep in mind that DOR is not required to create a record that does not already exist. Also, public records are kept only for a certain number of years, consistent with the State Records Retention Schedule, and therefore we may no longer have a record that once existed.
All requests will be responded to consistent with the guidance issued by Governor Baker on July 30, 2015.
Additional Resources
Contact
|
DOR Tax Administration Roger H. Randall |
DOR Child Support (800)-332-2733 |