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:

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

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

CHAPTER 46.1

AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDINGS

     42-46.1-1. Recordings to be made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in nature.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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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

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

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

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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