After a two-year legal battle, a Suffolk County District Judge has ordered three District Attorneys in Massachusetts to release records to The Boston Globe following a lawsuit spearheaded by the state’s Attorney General, Maura Healey. This is the first time the state AG has sued another agency for failing to release records.

Police oversight takes a step forward in California once the new year hits. Two new laws will give access to internal police investigations and body camera footage in 2019, prompting police agencies to prepare for incoming records request.

Public records advocates have always fought for stronger laws that allow for better oversight and accountability. Despite these efforts, law enforcement agencies are still finding loopholes to allow for the retention of information. While new police transparency bills in California and a recent public records overhaul in Massachusetts are huge victories for access, requesters still face serious barriers when trying to peek past the thin blue line.

Looking to get records from your alma mater? Make sure you do your research - getting records from college campuses may not be as straightforward as you would think.

Following a year-long battle, one Kentucky newspaper celebrates a public records victory - but not without facing a new records exemption for the same documents being requested.