Rhode Island State Guide

Rhode Island’s Open Meetings Law (Title 42 chapter 46) delineates which meetings can be closed to the public, the type and timing of public notices required to announce government meetings, and the recourse available to citizens if they feel they were denied the opportunity to attend a public meeting. The law was enacted in 1976.

The Access to Public Records Law (Title 38 chapter 2) was enacted in 1979. This law describes what records are available to citizens, as well as the recourse available for citizens when they are denied access to public records.

To read the law in its entirety, click here.

To view frequently asked questions about Rhode Island’s public access laws, click here.