Jake Hentoff v. Massachusetts Department of Transportation (SPR 20241020)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records April 18, 2024 SPR24/1020 Stephen Shorey, Esq. Senior Counsel Office of the General Counsel Massachusetts Department of Transportation 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910 Boston, MA 02116 Dear Attorney Shorey: I have received the petition of Jake Hentoff, Esq., of the Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC, on behalf of Laura Crimaldi, of the Boston Globe, appealing the response of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 5, 2024, Ms. Crimaldi requested the following records: [1.] A copy of any/all reports from the investigation into the issuance of Class D licenses and/or learner’s permits and CDL licenses/learner’s permits to applicants who didn’t take or successfully complete road/written tests. [2.] Copies of reports of any/all internal investigations into alleged violations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles “code of conduct” by [identified individuals]. Prior Appeal The requested records were the subject of a prior appeal. See SPR24/0555 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (March 4, 2024). In my March 4th determination, I ordered MassDOT to provide Ms. Crimaldi with a response to her request. MassDOT responded on March 14, 2024. Unsatisfied with MassDOT’s response, Attorney Hentoff petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/1020, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that MassDOT intends on providing a further response to Mr. Hentoff. Accordingly, MassDOT is ordered to provide Mr. Hentoff 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 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

Stephen Shorey, Esq. SPR24/1020 Page 2 April 18, 2024 copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Hentoff may appeal the substantive nature of the MassDOT’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jake Hentoff, Esq. Laura Crimaldi William J. Doyle, Esq.