For many years, I heard references to “Sunshine Week” without understanding what it truly represented. I assumed it was simply a New Hampshire expression signaling the arrival of spring. Only later did I learn that it stands for something far more significant, something that has become personally very important to me.
When I purchased my home in Nashua in 2014, my property assessment immediately increased to match the purchase price. I accepted this as standard practice. Only later did I learn that this was an example of “sales chasing,” a practice prohibited under New Hampshire law in which assessors adjust valuations based solely on a recent sale price.
In 2018, following a citywide revaluation, my assessment rose another 50 percent. That dramatic increase prompted me to examine how the City of Nashua was managing its assessing department. What I uncovered raised serious concerns.
As a new resident attempting to obtain public records, I encountered resistance and delays at nearly every step. The more I researched, the more irregularities I found. One notable example involved a real estate professional who had a new home constructed. For several years, the city taxed him only for the land, never the house, despite multiple assessor visits. When I brought this oversight to the city’s attention, they issued a corrected bill, but state law allowed them to recoup only one year of missed taxes. The remaining loss fell on Nashua taxpayers.
Experiences like these made it clear that the City of Nashua was reluctant to provide information freely to residents, often stonewalling requests and failing to honor RSA 91-A, our Right-to-Know law. Their practices forced me into court over a simple request for two months of emails between two top city managers. I ultimately won the case. Although the trial court denied my request for legal fees, the New Hampshire Supreme Court later reversed that decision and awarded them.
I learned about Sunshine Week when I attended the Nackey Loeb Sunshine Week Celebration, an annual event where presenters provide information on how to access public records and answer questions from the public. This year’s event is on March 19th from 6-7:30 PM at St. Anslem College, Institute of Politics.
In New Hampshire, Sunshine Week underscores the importance of RSA 91-A, which guarantees the public’s right to access government records and attend meetings. It serves as a reminder that transparency is not merely a legal obligation; it is essential to preventing corruption and maintaining public trust.
In 2024, the New Hampshire Attorney General released an updated memorandum on the Right‑to‑Know Law during Sunshine Week, offering revised guidance on remote meetings, privacy considerations, and access to public records. This update came amid ongoing debates over proposed legislation, including bills that would allow high fees for public records, illustrating why continued vigilance is necessary.
Despite the strength of RSA 91‑A, enforcement remains challenging. Key issues include:
- Inconsistent record‑access practices across municipalities
- Ambiguity surrounding residency requirements
- Broad use of law‑enforcement and privacy exemptions
- Limited training and resources for compliance
- Few effective enforcement mechanisms
In 2022, the State established the Office of the Right‑to‑Know Ombudsman, providing residents with a more accessible and affordable alternative to the Superior Court. The office successfully assisted many citizens. However, as of July 1, 2025, the sunset clause took effect, and the office closed. The Secretary of State has stated that the office has been restructured under the Office of State and Public Sector Labor Relations, but this office is not operational yet.
Without the Ombudsman, residents are again left with the costly and time-consuming option of filing suit in Superior Court, a significant setback for transparency.
New Hampshire residents must continue to assert their rights under RSA 91‑A. Taxpayers deserve to know how their government operates and how public funds are being used. Sunshine Week serves as a powerful reminder that open government is not merely an ideal; it is a fundamental civic necessity.
