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« Update: Extended family mourns death of 19-year-old | Today | Tonight: Celtics-Lakers resume rivalry for all the cards » June 5, 2008R.I. Senate OKs bill improving access to public recordsPROVIDENCE -- The state Senate today approved legislation to speed the release of requested public records and to specify the arrest record information that police must make public. The bill sponsored by Sen. J. Michael Lenihan, D-East Greenwich, which cleared a Senate committee last week before winning the full chamber's backing, goes next to the House of Representatives. According to a news release announcing Senate passage, the measure would mark the first major change to the state’s “sunshine” laws in a decade. The aim, according to proponents, is to see to it that those in charge of public records get them swiftly and in full to the media, the public and any entity that wants them. If it becomes the law, the measure would take effect on Sept. 1. It would reduce the time that public agencies have to respond to public records requests from 10 days to 7. And it would prevent agencies from requiring those requesting the information to provide personally identifiable information or from requiring them to state the reason for their request. The act would also require that all public agencies annually certify in writing that all employees who handle public records requests have been trained in those responsibilities. It also spells out information that police departments are required to release about arrests, including narratives about the arrest, and specifies that the information must be released within 24 hours of any request. “Having a strong policy about providing information to those who want it is beneficial for our government, " Lenhian said in the statement. "Guaranteeing the public’s right to review records encourages honesty and integrity in government, and helps strengthen the public’s confidence in its government." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsGeorge B | June 5, 2008 11:32 PM link Well said, George B. This upcoming election we should vote out ALL incumbents, then maybe the buffoons in the state house will get the message. Henry | June 6, 2008 11:20 AM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
I am appalled with the RI Legislation. If only the people elected by the people would listen to the people. They would quickly learn that Public Records availability is last on the peoples mind.At this juncture of RI history the people are more concerned with the Education System and the increased "Drop Out Rates. As well as the increase in For closures, Bankruptcy's, Veteran Benefits (for all veterans) not just a better education packet for those returning from Iraq. They are worried about the deterioration of our streets, the increase in alcoholism, obesity, sexual promiscuity in minors with the emphasis on children in middle schools. We are concerned with RI's Homeless.Hungry and those that are going with out Health Care ! Do Not forget our Seniors and Elderly who are living on a dwindling fixed income. Being forced to move in with their children because health care cost are through the roof. How about the increase in gangs, shootings and violent crimes on our streets crooked Cops, Greedy politic ions kissing Lobbyist kissing back sides and stabbing the tax payers in the back ?
So you tell me now, where does "Access to Public Records really rate? It time for our elected officials to re-think,re-group and re-write their priority's and start working for the Rhode Island Tax Payers who put them there.