Brandon Stokes v. Bureau of the State House (SPR 20231713)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 9, 2023 SPR23/1713 Tammy E. Kraus Superintendent Bureau of the State House 24 Beacon Street State House, Room 1 Boston, MA 02133 Dear Superintendent Kraus: I have received the petition of Brandon Stokes, of 7NEWS WHDH Boston, appealing the response of the Bureau of the State House (Bureau) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 18, 2023, Mr. Stokes requested the following records: [1.] ... surveillance video showing the electrical fire that caused the State House to be evacuated on 7/18/23. [2.] If there are no cameras in the room where the fire happened, I ask that video be provided from the nearest camera showing smoke. [3.] ... surveillance video showing the evacuation of the building, including hallways surveillance cameras as well as cameras inside the hearing chambers. The Bureau responded on July 24, 2023. Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Stokes petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/1713, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Bureau intends on providing a further response to Mr. Stokes to address his records request. Accordingly, the Bureau is ordered to provide Mr. Stokes with said response in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Stokes may appeal the substantive nature of the Bureau’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Superintendent Tammy Kraus SPR23/1713 Page 2 August 9, 2023 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Brandon Stokes