Rhode Island
Open Meetings Act
Formally: Rhode Island Open Meetings Act
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 42-46-1 to 42-46-14
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Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 2 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required |
| Closed Sessions | 6 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required, online posting required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Not allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Post written notice at least 48 hours before meeting (excluding weekends and holidays); post at principal office and at least one other prominent place; file electronically with Secretary of State
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote for emergency items only
Public Participation
Rhode Island Open Meetings Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-1 et seq.) does not mandate a public comment period at open meetings. Bodies may allow comment at their discretion; local policy governs.
Virtual Meetings
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46 limits remote participation to ADA disability accommodation and active military duty; no general statutory authorization for remote quorum meetings post-COVID. URI board of trustees and RI Life Science Hub have narrow specific exceptions. Proposed legislation to expand these provisions has not yet passed.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all motions and votes (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-7)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.