New Hampshire government frequently uses the phrases “no comment,” “personnel matter,” and “pending litigation” to avoid disclosing information. However, legal precedents show that the first two phrases lost their legal validity in 2020. This article explores the implications of these phrases on transparency and public record requests under the Right-to-Know Law.
New Hampshire’s police body camera law, enacted in 2016, does not mandate camera use, allowing departments to decide. A bill to open footage to the public, HB 1587, was shelved without debate. Currently, most recordings are exempt from disclosure and must be deleted after 180 days, limiting accountability and transparency.
The Right-to-Know Law in New Hampshire (RSA 91-A) differs significantly from the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). RSA 91-A mandates quicker responses from local entities, has constitutional backing, and applies uniformly to all requesters. Proposed changes may restrict access based on residency, threatening openness in public record requests.
