Request AI Decision Records in Boston

Technology and Data Massachusetts 4 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Massachusetts

In Boston, Massachusetts, residents and members of the public can request records about automated or AI-assisted decisions made by city agencies. This guide explains where to submit requests, which offices enforce disclosure, and practical steps to request copies of AI outputs or records that document algorithmic decision-making. It summarizes how the City processes public-records requests, common exemptions, and appeal options so you can plan a request that cites departments, formats, and timelines. Official pages referenced are current as of February 2026 unless the page shows a later update.

Start by identifying the department that created or maintains the AI decision record before submitting a request.

What counts as an AI decision record

AI decision records can include model outputs used to make or inform city decisions, logs showing how a decision was reached, documentation of automated systems, training or validation records maintained by a department, and correspondence about algorithmic results. Whether a document is a public record depends on whether the city creates or maintains it and on statutory exemptions.

How to submit a request

  • Identify the department and provide a clear description of the records you want, including date ranges, system names, file formats, and keywords.
  • Use the City of Boston public-records request portal or the department’s public-records contact to file your request; include delivery preference (email or paper) and contact information. City of Boston public records page[1]
  • Expect copying or processing fees if records require redaction, format conversion, or large-volume production; ask for an estimate in advance.
  • Request records in the format you need (CSV, PDF, raw model output) and specify whether you want underlying data or aggregated summaries.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page(s). [1]

Enforcement and remedies: the Supervisor of Records at the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth handles appeals of public-records denials and can order disclosure or other remedies; specific monetary penalties for noncompliance are not specified on the cited pages. Supervisor of Records - Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth[2]

  • Escalation: if a department denies or does not respond, you may file an appeal with the Supervisor of Records; statutory timelines for appeals are explained on the Supervisor’s page or are not specified on the cited city page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disclose records, directed redaction review, and administrative remedies are typical enforcement actions under public-records appeal processes; court action may be available for continued refusals.
  • Enforcer and contacts: the department holding the records processes requests; appeals go to the Supervisor of Records. Use the City’s public-records contact and the Supervisor’s appeal instructions to submit complaints or appeals.

Applications & Forms

The City of Boston provides online submission options and department contact details; there is no separate universal "AI records" form published as of the cited pages. For general records requests, use the City of Boston public-records page or each department’s published request form. [1]

Practical steps after you submit

  • Track the response deadline the department provides and ask for a written estimate of production time if none is given.
  • Review produced records for redactions; if you believe redactions are improper, appeal to the Supervisor of Records following the official guidance. [2]
  • If fees are charged, request an itemized invoice and ask whether reduced fees or fee waivers apply for public-interest requests.
Document the exact request text and any department responses to preserve appeal options.

FAQ

How do I request AI decision records from a Boston city agency?
Submit a public-records request to the agency that creates or maintains the records using the City of Boston public-records page or the agency’s published contact; be specific about system names, timeframes, and formats. [1]
Are AI outputs automatically exempt from disclosure?
No. Whether an AI output is public depends on whether the city creates or maintains the document and whether a statutory exemption applies; consult the department and the Supervisor of Records for appeals. [2]
What if the city denies my request?
If a request is denied or not timely answered, you may appeal to the Massachusetts Supervisor of Records or seek judicial review; follow the Supervisor’s appeal procedures. [2]

How-To

  1. Identify the department holding the records and prepare a clear written request describing the AI system, dates, and file formats you want.
  2. Submit the request through the City of Boston public-records portal or by the department’s published submission method; keep a copy of your request. [1]
  3. If denied or unresponsive, file an administrative appeal with the Massachusetts Supervisor of Records following the instructions on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s site. [2]
  4. If administrative remedies are exhausted, consider judicial remedies; consult an attorney for litigation options.

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific: name the system, dates, and formats to speed production.
  • Retain copies of all communications and produced records to support any appeal.
  • Appeals go to the Massachusetts Supervisor of Records; timelines and remedies are described on the Supervisor’s site. [2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Boston - Public Records
  2. [2] Massachusetts Supervisor of Records - Secretary of the Commonwealth

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