Rhode Island House Bill H7473

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24

Caption

Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.

Impact

The enactment of H7473 is poised to strengthen the framework for public records management within the state. By instituting a structured program for public records retention and transfer to state archives after twenty years, the bill is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations. It assigns specific duties to agencies regarding record management, which may help safeguard important public information and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Summary

House Bill H7473 amends the Public Records Administration Act to designate a public records administrator, modify the definition of public records, and establish comprehensive procedures for the management, retention, and transfer of public records. One significant change includes the introduction of electronic records into the definition, accommodating the evolving nature of record-keeping in the digital age. The bill emphasizes the responsibilities of various state agencies in maintaining public records and their accountability in complying with established retention schedules.

Contention

Notably, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the potential administrative burdens that the stipulations of H7473 could impose on smaller agencies or local governments. Critics might argue that the requirements for annual reporting and the designation of a records officer add layers of complexity and demand additional resources from agencies already stretched thin. The balance between effective record-keeping and the operational capacity of various agencies will likely be a point of discussion as the bill progresses.