Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5725

Introduced
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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7327

Requires a member of the public to pay any outstanding balances due and owing for previous requests before being provided copies of records and documents on a new request from law enforcement agencies.

RI H7410

Prohibits subscription or access fee charges for public access to recorded real estate instruments/limits recording and copying fees to amounts provided by statute with regards to cities/towns/third-party providers.

RI H7181

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

RI S2256

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

RI H5454

Access To Public Records

RI S0420

Access To Public Records

RI H7846

Makes any record of any person, firm, or corporation that successfully competes for state contract or business, a public record, including those records that are considered proprietary or otherwise confidential.

RI S2274

Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.

RI H7284

Provides that advertising goods that don't include a price referencing all mandatory fees and charges shall be a deceptive trade practice.

RI S2746

Requires that any lease of tidal lands, or any license issued to use those lands, be approved by the general assembly, and that the coastal resources management council review all request prior to presentation to the general assembly.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.