The Access to Public Records Act (APRA) is the bedrock of open government in Rhode Island. The law was last revised in 2012, and in the years since, it has become clear that the existing measures are insufficient.

Without a strong APRA, Rhode Islanders will know less about how the government works - or doesn’t work - on their behalf. It’s time to make much-needed improvements to our public records law.

Two bills introduced this legislative session, H 7181 and S 2256, would make dozens of changes to strengthen our public records law. These changes make it easier for the public to request records by lowering bureaucratic hurdles and costs. They make it harder for government officials to hide records by narrowing the excuses they can use to withhold information. They modernize the law to account for technology like police body cameras and 911 recordings. They bolster the public's ability to learn what their government is doing - information they can use to hold power accountable.

Add your name to the petition instructing the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass H 7181 and S 2256!