In a recent proposal by Rhode Island Representative Samuel Azzinaro, individuals requesting public records may face increased costs. Azzinaro’s bill, which conflicts with efforts to lower costs and improve access to public records, has drawn criticism from advocates of open government. Steven Brown of the ACLU of Rhode Island argues that the public should not have to pay to access public records, likening it to charging for entry to a town council meeting.
As Sunshine Week approaches, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of open government, concerns have been raised about Azzinaro’s bill. John M. Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island believes that making public records more expensive would hinder transparency and accessibility. Similarly, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma is working on a bill to enhance access to information and opposes Azzinaro’s proposal.
The push for public records reform has been ongoing, with efforts to update the Access to Public Records Act in Rhode Island. DiPalma’s proposed changes include providing two free hours of public records search and retrieval, rather than one, and then charging $15 per hour. Despite opposition from Governor McKee’s administration, advocates like DiPalma believe that increasing costs for public records requests would impede the public’s ability to stay informed about government activities.
As the debate over public records access continues, it remains to be seen how Azzinaro’s bill and DiPalma’s reform efforts will impact transparency and accountability in Rhode Island. The issue is expected to be further explored through legislative hearings and ongoing discussions within the state government.
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