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Bill > S0742
RI S0742
RI S0742Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.
summary
Introduced
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
06/10/2025
06/10/2025
Passed
06/24/2025
06/24/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/24/2025
06/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would update the public records administration act by designating a public records administrator, amending the definition of records, adding various definitions to include, electronic, records series, state archivist, and retention, modifying a records control schedule, designating a records officer and establish procedures for the retention of public records and their transfer after twenty (20) years to the state archives. It would also provide that a research room be established for research of records, that the administrator submit yearly reports, provide certified copies, approve emergency destruction of public records and perform other functions and duties as the secretary of state may direct. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill updates Rhode Island's Public Records Administration Act to modernize and clarify the management of public records across state and local government agencies. The bill establishes a more comprehensive framework for records management by defining new terms like "electronic records" and "records series", expanding the duties of the public records administrator, and creating formal procedures for records retention, transfer, and disposal. Key provisions include requiring agencies to designate a records officer by 2026, establishing procedures for transferring records to the state archives after 20 years, mandating annual reports on records management compliance, and providing the administrator with legal authority to seek injunctions for violations. The bill also adds provisions for creating electronic records, maintaining records centers, and establishing a public research room where archived records can be studied. Additionally, the legislation empowers the public records administrator to provide technical assistance to agencies, develop training programs, create records management standards, and facilitate the preservation of records with permanent historical or legal value. The changes aim to improve government transparency, efficiency, and the systematic management of public records across Rhode Island's governmental bodies.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Signed by Governor (on 06/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/SenateText25/S0742.pdf |
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