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SB 466

AN ACT CONCERNING VEXATIOUS REQUESTERS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hector Arzeno and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill would allow agencies to restrict FOIA requests from people repeatedly filing frivolous or harassing demands, balancing transparency rights against operational burden.

FILE NO. 572
#freedomofinformation #harassment #municipalities #petitions #publicrecords #stateagencies #threatening #freedomofinformationcommission
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Bill Summary · SB 466

Legislative bill overview

SB 466 establishes procedures for designating individuals as "vexatious requesters" under Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill would allow public agencies to restrict or deny FOIA requests from people who repeatedly file frivolous, harassing, or burdensome requests. It creates a formal process whereby agencies can petition a court or administrative body to have someone declared vexatious, limiting their future access to records.

Why is this important

FOIA laws are foundational to government transparency and public accountability, but agencies argue that some requesters systematically abuse the system with repetitive, time-consuming requests designed to harass or obstruct operations. This bill attempts to balance legitimate government efficiency concerns with citizens' right to information access—a tension that directly affects how much scrutiny taxpayers can place on public institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on legitimate oversight: Critics worry that vexatious requester designations could discourage journalists, watchdog organizations, and ordinary citizens from pursuing valid investigations into government misconduct or transparency issues.
  • Vague standards for "vexatious": The bill's definitions of what constitutes frivolous or harassing requests may be subjective, potentially allowing agencies to silence inconvenient requesters under the guise of protecting operational efficiency.
  • Due process concerns: How much procedural protection does a requester receive before being branded "vexatious"? Inadequate safeguards could enable abuse of the designation itself as a silencing tool.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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