It’s Sunshine Week 2025, a week where Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) experts and advocates promote the law’s usefulness as a transparency tool. I write about FOIA on an almost weekly basis, both because putting pressure on public agencies has been a successful tactic for getting records requests answered and, because FOIA is ultimately a public tool, we want to ensure the public knows about current issues with the law.

I also cover a lot of stories of Connecticut residents who have had to turn to FOIA to get local or state officials to answer questions. My investigation this week tells the story of a Simsbury resident who is taking the local library board of trustees to the Freedom of Information Commission, with the hope that her case will reform FOIA‘s hybrid meeting requirements.

Telling these stories is part of Inside Investigator’s mission to root out corruption. We want more people to know the law inside and out, both to use it to hold government officials to account when they come across misconduct and because the more informed people are, the more stories about misconduct will come before the public.

To that end this week we’re debuting a directory of communications officials and public information officers at state agencies. We want to make it easier for you to get the information you need.

Keep an eye on our social media pages this week for more about these tools, for FOIA filing tips, and for more Sunshine Week content. Plus, you can check out some of my top FOIA tips below:

Katherine’s Top Tips

1. Do background research: While there may be times when you use FOIA to try to verify whether certain records exist, for the most part, you should know exactly what records you’re looking for ahead of time. That means familiarizing yourself with reports and forms agencies file and produce. It means researching the right contact person for the agency and perhaps reaching out to them to see if you can obtain information without filing a FOIA request. Review the state’s record retention schedule to verify whether older records still exist. You should also familiarize yourself with what FOIA does and does not compel public agencies to produce. For example, while FOIA does require public agencies to turn over most types of public records, the law does not require agencies to create documents that don’t already exist. If the records you’re looking for are housed by a different agency, public officials also aren’t obligated to forward your request.
2. Be specific: Requests are more successful and are likely to be processed more quickly if they are narrow and specific. If a public agency isn’t clear on what records you’re looking for, they will ask clarifying questions before they begin processing your request and that can delay your request. Large requests are also likely to result in higher records, and it can be frustrating to pay for a request and then receive information you’re not really interested in. Rather than filing one FOIA request for many documents, it may be helpful to file multiple requests for separate pieces of information. Some state agencies even require you to do this because of limitations with GovQA, the online platform that handles FOIA requests for many agencies. Particularly if you’re not sure what kind of documents you’ll receive in response to a request, starting narrow is a good idea. You can always file additional requests.
3. Include key information: Most FOIA requests, particularly if they’re for email or phone records, should have three key elements–keywords, a date range, and the names of the officials whose records you want to be searched. Some state agencies will not process your request without this information. Include it up front to ensure your request is processed quicker.
4. Use resources: You can use hyperlinks to webpages, references to meeting minutes or public statements, agency reports and documents, news stories, and other resources to help direct public officials to the records you’re looking for. This can be particularly helpful if you’re not sure exactly what language to use to describe the records you’re seeking.
5. Know exemptions: I do not and will never advocate for refraining from filing a FOIA request because a category of information may fall under an exemption category. Even if you’re pretty certain information will be withheld, it is better to have a denial in writing than to be uncertain. Public agencies aren’t compelled to respond to questions, but they are compelled to respond to FOIA. Sometimes, it’s the only tool to get them to answer a question, even if you’re pretty sure what the answer will be. But you should still be familiar with what categories of information are likely to be withheld. State agencies are also required by FOIA to cite each exemption they’re citing. If they don’t do this, you should ask them to provide that information. Knowing FOIA exemptions will help you determine if you think an exemption is being abused and whether you should file a FOIC challenge. There are also some exemptions, such as the preliminary draft exemption, that require agencies to explain why they feel there’s a public interest in withholding information. If agencies don’t do this, you should push back. FOIA responses don’t always come from people who are familiar with the law. Make sure you are familiar with the law so you can advocate for yourself. I’ve gotten information that was previously withheld on several occasions as a result.
6. Be respectful: While I’m tough on agencies that don’t comply with FOIA, I also try to be polite with public information officers. I’ve never gotten requests processed faster or had additional documents turned over to me because I took my frustrations out on FOIA officers. I have, however, had FOIA officers reverse course or provide behind-the-scenes information because I’ve been polite and understanding. Some of the tools agencies use to process requests are just as frustrating for agency workers to navigate as they are for the public. Being patient and considerate can go a long way. The FOIC also takes requesters’ behavior into consideration when it is adjudicating FOIC complaints. Acting inappropriately can get your complaint thrown out or it can get you barred from having complaints heard.

Not sure where to start with FOIA language?

The National Freedom of Information Coalition is a great resource. It has draft templates for filing requests in all 50 states. You can also use the text below, which contains the draft language I use when filing requests.

Dear [keeper of records],
Pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act 1-200 et seq., I am requesting access to the following records:

• bullet point list of what you’re requesting
• don’t forget a time range
• one line for each item
• use hyperlinks to forms, news stories, other resources as examples if warranted
• ask for attachments in email communications

I am requesting these records in [preferred format].

This information is not being sought for commercial purposes. I am seeking disclosure of these records for the purposes of informing the public on [topic you’re seeking records on]. I therefore asked that any fees associated with this request be waived, as disclosure of the requested information is in the public’s interest. If this is not possible, I request to be informed in advance if fees associated with this request exceed $10.

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act requires a response within four business days. If processing any part of this request will take longer, please provide a time frame for when I can expect to receive records. I am willing to receive responsive records in batches.

If any part of this request is unclear, or if the scope of the request can be narrowed to facilitate the production of records, please contact me at [preferred contact info].

If any part of this request is denied, please cite specific exemptions in each instance where access to records is being denied which you feel justifies the refusal to release information. Please also notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

Thank you for your time and attention to this request.

Have your own frustrations about obtaining information through FOIA? Email katherine@insideinvestigator.org.

Republish This Story

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.