2021 -- H 5894

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LC001754

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- AUDIO AND VIDEO

RECORDINGS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Filippi, Newberry, Fenton-Fung, Speakman, Phillips,
Fogarty, Kislak, Knight, Ackerman, and Shanley

     Date Introduced: February 24, 2021

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "STATE AFFAIRS AND

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GOVERNMENT" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 46.1

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AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDINGS

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     42-46.1-1. Recordings to be made.

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     (a) Every public body, as defined in ยง 42-46-2, of every state, city, town or regional district;

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shall live stream to the Internet all open meetings, as defined in chapter 46 of this title; post the

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video to its websites within twenty-four (24) hours of the meeting; and shall maintain a recording

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of said meeting for future viewing, and provide same to the office of the secretary of state. State

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public bodies shall include public bodies in the executive branch of state government.

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     (b) This section shall not apply to public bodies whose responsibilities are solely advisory

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in nature.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001754

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- AUDIO AND VIDEO

RECORDINGS

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     This act would require live streaming, over the Internet, of any open meeting of every

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municipal and state public body, including the executive departments. Video copies of the meeting

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would be required to be published within twenty-four (24) hours.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001754

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