Rhode Island
Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 38-2-1 et seq.
Transparency Score: 83/100
Response Timeline
10 business days to respond to a request. Failure to respond within 10 business days results in mandatory fee waiver. Multiple requests from the same requester within 30 days may be counted as one request.
No residency requirement. Any person may request records.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
Written requests recommended. Request should identify the records sought with reasonable clarity. Multiple requests from the same person within 30 days may be aggregated and treated as a single request.
Required Elements
- Description of records sought
- Contact information for response
Optional Elements
- Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
- Preferred delivery method
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Search (hourly) | USD15.00 | |
| Copies (per page) | USD0.15 |
$15/hr for search time after the first hour free. $0.15 per page for copies. Multiple requests from the same requester within 30 days are counted as one for fee calculation. Mandatory fee waiver if records are not provided within 10 business days.
Fee Waivers
- In-person inspection is always free
- First hour of search time is free
- Mandatory fee waiver if records not provided within 10 business days
Mandatory fee waiver if the agency fails to provide records within 10 business days. First hour of search is free. In-person inspection is free.
Exemptions
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Attorney-client and doctor-patient privileged communications (§38-2-2(4)(A)(I)(a))
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Personnel and individually-identifiable records (§38-2-2(4)(A)(I)(b))
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Trade secrets and commercial/financial information (§38-2-2(4)(B))
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Law enforcement investigatory records compiled for criminal proceedings (§38-2-2(4)(D))
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Preliminary drafts, work product, notes, and memoranda (§38-2-2(4)(K))
Rhode Island exemptions are enumerated in §38-2-2(4). The burden is on the government to justify withholding. Exemptions are to be narrowly construed in favor of disclosure.
Appeal Process
1
File complaint with the AG. The AG may investigate and pursue injunctive relief in superior court on requester's behalf.
2
File suit directly in superior court to compel disclosure.
Two appeal paths: (1) file complaint with Attorney General, who may pursue injunctive relief in superior court, or (2) file suit directly in superior court. The AG process provides a free enforcement mechanism without need for private attorney.
Request Templates
NFOIC Rhode Island Sample Request →
National Freedom of Information Coalition
RCFP Open Government Guide - Rhode Island →
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
MuckRock Rhode Island Guide →
MuckRock
Records Retention
R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 38-3
The Secretary of State administers records retention schedules for state agencies, municipalities, and quasi-public agencies. Records not included in any schedule are considered permanent until scheduled.