The official title of RSA 91-A is Access to Governmental Records and Meetings but the law is usually called the Right to Know Law. The preamble to RSA 91-A says "Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people." This law was enacted in 1967 and has been amended several times since.
Right to know laws are also called “sunshine laws,” “open meeting laws,” "open records laws," "open government laws" or “freedom of information laws."
This guide includes information about New Hampshire's Right-to-Know law, links to statutes and case law, and information on the Office of the Right to Know Ombudsman including selected orders and decisions of the Ombudsman. If there is a decision or order that is not posted here, contact the RTK Ombudsman. The telephone number of the office is (603) 271-3277. The office’s email is Thomas.kehr@sos.nh.gov. Its physical address is Room 313, State House Annex, 25 Capitol Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Please remember that this guide is for information purposes only and is not comprehensive.
It is intended as a starting point for research, to illustrate the various sources of the law, and to provide guidance in their use.
NH Law About ... is not a substitute for the services of an attorney.