Press Article: Legislative Privacy Measure Faces Opposition from Multiple State Departments
Providence, RI – A proposed bill in the Rhode Island legislature is drawing criticism from several state departments, including Administration, Health, and Transportation, as concerns mount over its implications for privacy and transparency.
In a detailed five-page letter, Department of Administration Director Christine Richards voiced strong objections to key sections of the bill. A contentious provision would permit the public to access the identities of individuals holding “preferred license plates” through the governor’s office. Richards stressed that such disclosure contravenes the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, which protects this information and imposes penalties for unauthorized disclosure.
Richards also highlighted concerns about granting public access to subpoenas related to governmental business. This provision was linked to ongoing scrutiny of Governor Dan McKee’s administration concerning a contentious $5.2 million education contract awarded in 2021. While McKee claimed vindication following a procurement investigation, Richards warned that making subpoena information public could jeopardize ongoing investigations.
Moreover, the proposed bill includes a measure to waive public records fees if requests are deemed “in the public interest.” Richards argued this could strain government resources, allowing excessive and potentially abusive requests without the ability to charge fees. She added that every request would be seen as “in the public interest,” complicating administrative processes.
Further criticisms were directed at fines for public records law violations, with Richards cautioning that increased penalties could deter public servants from performing their essential duties. Similarly, Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti objected to a requirement for releasing traffic accident data, citing potential conflicts with federal law.
As these issues unfold, legislators will need to weigh the balance between transparency and the potential pitfalls highlighted by state officials. The debate continues, and the implications of this bill could significantly impact how public records are managed in Rhode Island.
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