AUGUSTA (AP) – Maine state and local officials will have to be formally trained on the state’s open records law.

Under a newly modified law, elected officials as of July 1 must complete training on the Freedom of Access laws that relate to public records and proceedings.

The law was advanced by the Right to Know Advisory Committee. It chairman, Democratic Sen. Barry Hobbins of Saco, says the way to ensure transparency in government is to make sure elected officials understand their obligations under the Freedom of Access laws.

Officials in office July 1 must complete training by Nov. 1, and public officials elected after July 1 must complete their training within 120 days of taking the oath of office.