Story perspectives

Vermont Considers Controversial Limits on Public Records Access

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Out-of-state public records requests are straining Vermont officials, as Colchester deputy town manager Renae Marshall says firms seek to profit from public information.
Proposed changes to the Vermont Public Records Act would limit access for non-residents and push the response times from 3 to 14 days.
Journalists and open-government advocates oppose the proposals, arguing they hinder transparency.
The Vermont House Government Operations Committee weighs the proposals, but the outcome remains unclear.

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Story summary

Out-of-state public records requests are straining Vermont officials, as Colchester deputy town manager Renae Marshall says firms seek to profit from public information.
Proposed changes to the Vermont Public Records Act would limit access for non-residents and push the response times from 3 to 14 days.
Journalists and open-government advocates oppose the proposals, arguing they hinder transparency.
The Vermont House Government Operations Committee weighs the proposals, but the outcome remains unclear.