Right-to-Know Law: Public Meetings & Governmental Records - You Must Login to Register

This workshop will be held in a hybrid format - In person attendance option and a virtual attendance option in zoom.
In person attendance is limited to 60 people. 

NHMA Member Registration Fees: $70 Virtual/$100 In person
Non Member Fees: $140 Virtual/$200 In person
* Non-member attendance is limited to government officials who are not members of NHMA and not eligible to be members (schools and state agencies). If space is limited, priority will be given to NHMA members. Non-member village districts, counties, regional planning commissions, or other municipal entities interested in attending NHMA workshops can contact info@nhmunicipal.org to learn about becoming a member. 

Join Legal Services Counsel Christine Johnston and Jonathan Cowal to learn about New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law, RSA chapter 91-A. The workshop will cover both public meetings and governmental records, with discussion of all of the following topics:

Meetings:

• The requirements for holding a proper public meeting and the exceptions to the meeting requirements (the so-called “non-meeting”)
• Non-public sessions (when they are permitted, required procedures, and related issues)
• Managing virtual public access and allowing public body members to participate remotely when their physical presence is not reasonably practical
• Facilitating public comment during meetings through rules of procedure
• Preparing and handling meeting minutes
• Special rules for minutes of nonpublic sessions (required list, periodic review of previously sealed minutes, when and how to unseal minutes)

Governmental Records:

• Legal requirements for where and how records must be made available upon request
• Timing requirements for responding to requests and making records available
• Searching for records, handling electronic records, redacting information, cost estimates, and charging for copies
• Which records are exempt from disclosure, how to apply the privacy exemption to protect personal information contained in governmental records, and when to get legal advice
• Record storage, retention, disposal and deletion
• How claims under the Right-to-Know Law are enforced

The presentation will include discussion of recent court cases and legislation and how they affect the continuing evolution of municipal responsibility under RSA chapter 91-A.

Attendees will be directed to receive an electronic copy of NHMA's publication, New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law 2025 and the new 2026 Supplement. Additional materials such as the PowerPoint presentation will also be distributed electronically. No printouts of the materials or hard copy of the publication will be provided.

Pre-registration and payment is required.  Registration will be open until 5pm on August 31, 2026. You will be billed according to the pricing on the options you select at registration. If you wish to make changes, NHMA must be notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance. Refund of the full registration fee will be made if cancellation notification is received 48 hours in advance. Cancellation less than 48 hours in advance, including no-shows, will result in you being charged the full cost of the workshop.  If you have made a change to your registration (from in person to virtual, for example), NHMA will adjust your invoice if we receive notification as outlined above. If you register but cannot attend, a recording of the workshop will be provided if payment has been received. 

*Please be advised that photographs may be taken during the event for promotional and informational purposes. By attending in person, you consent to the use of your image in any such materials.  This event will be recorded.

Questions? Please contact us at registrations@nhmunicipal.org or 603-230-3350.

REGISTER HERE