Kevin Norris v. Massachusetts Parole Board (SPR 20170777)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records June 16, 2017 SPR17/777 Kevin Norris Dear Mr. Norris: I have received your petition appealing the response of Massachusetts Parole Board (Board) to your request for public records. You requested "a copy [of] any lawsuit filed [against] the Massachusetts Parole Board, and/or member alleging a violation of the ADA." In a response dated May 25, 2017, the Board identified three lawsuits which contain a reference to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but maintains the position that its litigation files are not public record. In your appeal petition, you indicate that you request this office "order the Board to provide a copy of the lawsuits in their possession .... " After careful review of your request, it is unclear which specific records you are seeking. As such, I respectfully request that you clarify what type of records you are seeking in your request for "a copy of the lawsuits." See G.L. c. 66, § 10(a)(i) (the request must reasonably describe the public record sought); 950 C.M.R 32.08(l)(f) (all petitions for appeal shall be in writing and shall specifically describe the nature of the requester's objections to the response or failure to timely respond). After clarifying, I would welcome the opportunity to revisit your appeal. Sincerely, ~~ Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Laura Weierman, Esq. One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us