Rhode Island's Access to Public Records Act has not been amended in over a decade, and this legislation would update and strengthen this critical statute which upholds the public's "right to know." The proposed changes in this legislation cover a number of important issues, including: tightening up the exemptions for so-called "investigatory" records and police incident reports; requiring an agency's procedures for handling APRA requests to be more easily available; calling for greater explanation when records are withheld; and reducing the costs that public bodies can change requesters. Unfortunately, this legislation died in committee.

Sponsors

Senator DiPalma, Representative Serpa

Status

Held for Further Study

Session

2025

Bill number

Position

Support