Legislation

We supported a bill which would have allowed for members of the public to testify on an item on a public meetings agenda even if the item has been withdrawn or postponed.

We expressed support for legislation that would have allowed the Secretary of State to seek judicial relief if a state or municipal agency is unlawfully destroying or otherwise failing to properly maintain public records, a power that she presently lacks.

This bill would make clear that the public can see all final reports of police misconduct investigations and reinstate public oversight of law enforcement that the AG opinion undermined.

The introduction of the Rhode Island Senate rules this session prompted our initial commentary in two specific aspects.

Two pieces of legislation sought to enshrine in law the ability for bodies to continue with virtual meetings.

This legislation will exempt from open records requests the disclosure of the municipality of residency for a public employee or police officer.

As was necessary due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rhode Island House of Representatives introduced rules which would allow for and regulate remote participation of both the public and legislators during the 2021 session and beyond.