Massachusetts is the only state in the country where all three branches of government are exempted from public records laws. This debate explored the tension between legislative efficiency and providing the public with information and accountability mechanisms. Legislative committee votes will be specifically addressed but the panelists will also discuss public testimony, exemptions to public records laws, and COVID-19. Speakers include Massachusetts State Sen. Becca Rausch and UMass Amherst Professor of Political Science Raymond La Raja, and the debate will be moderated by CommonWealth reporter Shira Schoenberg.

Co-sponsor: Good Governance Project at Boston College Law School.

Full video on Youtube