Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, March 9, 2026
This legislative update meeting was via Zoom.
Present: Michele Jacklin, Tom Scheffey, Jacqueline Smith, Mary Connolly, Chris Powell, Jeff Daniels, Paul Bass, Mike Savino, Katherine Revello, Jodie Gil, Russell Blair, Liz Gemski.
Jacklin scheduled this legislative update meeting to decide CCFOI’s position on three bills that are scheduled for a March 13 public hearing by the Committee on Government Administration and Elections.
SB 462 would establish an Office of Government Oversight. SB 466 concerns current law on vexatious requestors under the Freedom of Information Act. HB 5528 would require public agency employees to attend FOI Act training. SB 462: It was agreed to oppose sections which apply to the FOI Act. All records of this proposed Office of Government Oversight would be exempt from public disclosure under the FOI Act until all work and related criminal and civil actions are completed. As a result of this exemption, it would be years before the public could gain access to the information.
SB 466. It was agreed to support the bill but recommend a clarification. Existing law allows a public agency to petition the Freedom of Information Commission for relief from a vexatious requestor using the FOI Act. The bill adds “harassing or threatening conduct” to conduct that can be used to support a petition for relief. The definition of harassing or threatening is not defined in the bill. Our recommendation is that the language be clear. Also, the objectionable conduct should be related to the FOI Act and not simply protected free speech.
HB 5528: It was agreed to support the proposed requirement that public agency employees attend FOI training. We propose a clarification whether the training requirement applies to local as well as state employees and whether it applies to all employees or just those in jobs expected to handle FOI requests.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI monthly meeting will be Friday, March 20, at 9 a.m. via Zoom.