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Newton selectmen adopt formal RSA 91-A public records policy, restrict emailed requests
Summary
The board approved a new local 91-A public records policy and request form, removing email as an option for automatic delivery and setting a $1.00 per-page fee to discourage large automated 'data-farming' requests, and directed staff to post the policy online.
The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 3 adopted a formal 91-A public records policy and request form that narrows how the town accepts public-records requests and sets a per-page fee.
A town staff member identified in the transcript as "J" told the board Newton lacked a formal policy and recommended eliminating the option to email records to requesters, noting that large out-of-state firms had submitted broad requests to capture data. "They're just data farming. That's all they're doing," J said during the discussion, urging that in-person inspection or hard-copy requests discourage automated harvests.
Board members discussed the per-page charge and minor language edits. The board agreed to set the charge at $1.00 per page (and maintain the existing $1.00 redaction fee as discussed) and accepted the policy and request form with revisions; Dan made the motion, Joe seconded it, and the vote was unanimous. The board directed staff (Robin) to update the web forms and post the new policy on the town’s required web pages.
The policy presentation and vote focused on administrative controls (how requests are received and how copies/redactions are charged) rather than substantive limits on records access. The board recorded that legal review had been completed prior to the meeting; staff will finalize edits and publish the updated request form online.
