Does an agency have to explain why it denies access to a public record?
Yes. When an agency denies access to a public record, it must provide the reason for its denial in writing within 5 working days of the date of the Freedom of Access Act request. 1 M.R.S.A. 409 (1). What can I do if I believe an agency has unlawfully withheld a public record? If you are unsatisfied with an agency’s decision to withhold access to certain records, you are entitled to appeal, within 5 working days of your receipt of the written notice of denial, to any Superior Court within the state. 1 M.R.S.A. 409 (1). Superior Courts Directory: http://www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/superior/directory.shtml May a governmental body ask me why I want a certain record? The Freedom of Access Act does not specifically prohibit agencies or officials from asking why an individual is requesting a public record. However, if asked, the individual is not required to provide a reason for seeking a record, and the agency cannot deny an individual’s request based solely on either the individual’
