Local Policies

This page contains information about Right-to-Know policies in towns and school districts throughout New Hampshire.

Your Right to Know is more than just the Right-to-Know Law. Cities, towns and school districts can provide people even greater Right to Know through their policies, regulations and practices.  The Right-to-Know law lays out broad principles and minimum requirements, but local policy is where the rubber meets the road.  Local policies should not only respect legal rights but also provide equitable, convenient, and low-cost access to information and a positive customer-service experience for citizens.

For example, RSA 91-A requires only 24 hours notice for meetings. Local policies can provide 3 or more days notice.

Here are the the model school board policies where the Right to Know can be expanded:

• BBAA – Individual Members
• BEA – School Board Meetings
• BEC – Non-Public Sessions
• BEDG – Board Meeting Minutes

To improve compliance with the right to know law, all newly elected officials should receive information on the Right-to-Know law to educate them on their responsibilities to insure an open and transparent government.

For example, after town elections, Todd Selig, administrator for the town of Durham NH, informs all town council members about the Right-to-Know Law.   His letter serves as one example of how officials can proactively educate other officials to improve compliance with the Right-to-Know law.

To improve compliance with the Right-to-Know law (RSA 91-A), all newly elected officials should receive information on the Right-to-Know law to educate them on their responsibilities to insure an open and transparent government.