Citizen’s Right to Know/Citizen Participation
The League’s Position (For History: Impact on Issues, pg. 52)
Statement of Position on the Citizen’s Right to Know/Citizen Participation, as announced by the National Board, June 1984:
The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation at all levels of government. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
The League of Women Voters of RI has worked continually for over 100 years ensuring that our government is accessible to the public. LWVRI is a member of the ACCESS/RI coalition. Access to Public Records (APRA) is the foundation of open government in Rhode Island first enacted in 1978. APRA is used every day by journalists and average Rhode Islanders to hold their government accountable.
Much needed updates to this legislation include allowing fewer records to be withheld solely because they ‘relate to an attorney-client relationship’ allow fewer records to be withheld when they directly involve an elected official’s formal duties, allow traffic accident data to be released by RIDOT, and ensure when you don’t get the records, find out why.
Police accountability begins with transparency. The legislation proposes final reports of police misconduct investigations are public documents, that body worn camera footage must be released, with limited exceptions, within 30 days of the use of force incident, and that police reports of incident not followed by arrest would be more accessible. Also cost must not prevent access. Also technology changes are within this legislation.
In 2024 the League of Women Voters of RI supports House bill # 7181 to keep our democracy strong and enable our citizens to lead full, productive lives.
Open Government Division - RI Attorney General
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establish important requirements for ensuring that government in Rhode Island is carried out in an open and transparent manner.
The Attorney General's Office investigates complaints against public bodies in Rhode Island for alleged violations of these statutesIssues findings and files lawsuits to enforce the statutes when appropriate
Open Government Findings
Open Government Summit videos
New England First Amendment Coalition - Videos on YouTube
PUBLIC ACCESS
House and Senate Committee Calendars:
Meeting notices include: Agendas, How to watch, How to testify, Access to documents
House and Senate Floor Calendars:
See Capitol TV to watch sessions.
Open Government Center - RI Secretary of State
Public and Civic Information/Government Contacts/Government Transparency
