Read the full stored bill text
S2480
2026 -- S 2480
========
LC004452
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
Introduced By:
Senators Kallman, DiPalma, Thompson, Raptakis, Murray, Mack, Lauria,
Urso, Dimitri, and Appollonio
Date Introduced:
February 06, 2026
Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1
SECTION 1. Chapter 38-2 of the General Laws entitled "Access to Public Records" is
2
hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3
38-2-17. Traffic accidents and improvement data.
4
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or state law, any records that, under
5
23 U.S.C. § 407, are not discoverable or admissible in court proceedings or allowed to be
6
considered for other purposes in damage actions shall nonetheless be deemed public records;
7
provided, however, the records may not be used for purposes prohibited by that federal statute.
8
When making the record public, whether in response to a request pursuant to this chapter, or
9
otherwise, a public body may provide written notice of the aforementioned restrictions on their use.
10
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
========
LC004452
========
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
***
1
This act would make traffic accident data a public record, subject to federal law.
2
This act would take effect upon passage.
========
LC004452
========
LC004452 - Page 2 of 2