Open Records Laws

NYC Firefighters Sue Over Public Records Violations

The president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York, IAFF Local 94 has filed suit against the City of New York and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito using the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to publically allege that she has been “stone-walling” consideration of a pension related resolution.

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RI Fire District Settles Public Records Suit for $1500

A Rhode Island fire district has agreed to pay a $1500 fine for violating the state’s public records law. The Manville Fire District was accused of failing to respond to a public records request back in 2014. Attorney General Peter Kilmartin filed suit against Manville to enforce the requirements of the APRA.

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Fire Departments in NJ and Maryland Settle Suits

Settlements involving two fire departments are in the fire law news today. In New Jersey, a sexual harassment suit against the Franklin Township Fire District No. 3 has been settled. In Maryland, a wrongful death suit brought by the family of a 17-year old who died at a fire department sponsored carnival has been settled.

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Wisconsin Firefighters Face Discipline Over Cellphone Recording

Two Kenosha, Wisconsin union officials are facing suspensions for their role in a complicated case where a cellphone allegedly recorded a discussion that took place after they stepped out of a meeting with the fire chief. But the case raises a number of more complicated issues involving criminal law, evidence, and even a Constitutional question or two!!!

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