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November 6, 2007

R.I. has poor record with public document requests

Rhode Island gets a “D” when it comes to responsiveness of officials to requests for public records and, unfortunately, according to a recently released study, we’ve got plenty of company.

In a study of Freedom of Information Act requests conducted by the Better Government Association and the National Freedom of Information Coalition, nearly 40 states were given a failing grade – less than 50 percent – when judged by five criteria:

- Amount of time an agency has to respond to a request.

- The process a citizen must go through to appeal a decision to deny a request.

- Whether an appeal is expedited in court.

- Whether the complaining party is awarded attorney fees after winning an appeal.

- Whether an agency that wrongfully withholds records is subject to civil or criminal punishment.

Rhode Island scored 66 percent, with only eight states rated more favorably. Alabama and South Dakota came in last with zero percent. Nebraska and New Jersey had the highest ratings -- 87 percent.

See the full report here.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 10:32 AM | Permalink

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