Rhode Island House Bill H5725

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.

Impact

One significant change introduced by H5725 is the stipulation that members of the General Assembly can have the fees waived when they request public records in their official capacity. This measure is designed to facilitate legislators' access to information necessary for performing their duties without incurring additional costs, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in government.

Summary

House Bill 5725 focuses on amending current regulations concerning the costs associated with accessing public records in Rhode Island. The bill aims to provide clarity on the fees charged for copying and retrieving public documents, setting specific limits such as not exceeding fifteen cents per page for copied documents. Additionally, it establishes that public bodies may not charge more than the reasonable actual cost for providing electronic records or for retrieving records from storage, where applicable fees are assessed.

Conclusion

Overall, H5725 represents a step towards enhancing public access to governmental information while considering the financial logistics involved in disseminating such information. As with many legislative changes, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and any resulting impacts on both government entities and the constituents they serve.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving access to public information, it could lead to discussions regarding the balance between public access to records and the operational costs faced by public bodies. Critics might argue that waiving fees for assembly members might not be equitable or could lead to an increase in requests that tax the resources of public agencies.