Rhode Island House Bill H7927

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22
• Report Pass: 6/14/22
• Engrossed: 6/21/22
• Refer: 6/21/22

Caption

Public Records Administration

Impact

The bill will amend several sections of the General Laws pertaining to public records within Chapter 38-3. By updating the definition of what constitutes a public record, including electronic formats, it aligns the state's legislation with current technological advancements. It also requires that public records, once deemed no longer needed for current business, be transferred to state archives for preservation after a specific retention period. Agencies will be mandated to establish clear procedures for the management and disposal of public records, ensuring systematic compliance and accountability.

Summary

House Bill H7927 aims to comprehensively revise Rhode Island's Public Records Administration Act. It designates a public records administrator to oversee the public records program and introduces several definitions related to records, including terms for electronic records and records series. The proposed changes aim to modernize the management of public records, improving efficiency and accessibility for residents and government agencies alike. Notably, the bill stipulates that public records of permanent value be preserved and made accessible to the public through a state records repository, enhancing government transparency.

Contention

There is a potential point of contention regarding the provisions that stipulate the establishment of a public records advisory commission and the authority given to the public records administrator. This could lead to discussions about the balance of power between the state and local agencies in the management of public records. Moreover, some may argue that regulations surrounding the retention and transfer of records could impose additional administrative burdens on smaller agencies with limited resources. The bill gives the administrator the authority to approve emergency destruction of records and initiate legal actions for violations, which may raise concerns about oversight and the implications for agency autonomy.