Bill > H5034

This bill modifies Rhode Island's open meetings law to allow school committees more flexibility in adding agenda items after the initial published notice. Specifically, school committees can now add items to their agenda for discussion purposes only, provided they follow certain strict procedures: the revised agenda must be electronically filed with the secretary of state and posted on the school district's website and two public locations at least 48 hours before the meeting. The new agenda items must be unexpected and unable to have been added in time for original publication. When such items are added, the school committee must state on the record why the items could not be included earlier and must have a formal process for notifying the public about agenda changes. Importantly, these added items can only be discussed, not voted upon, unless they represent an unexpected occurrence requiring immediate action to protect public safety. The bill aims to provide school committees with more administrative flexibility while maintaining transparency in public meetings.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/