Open records requests in Rhode Island

How the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) works

Rhode Island's Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1 et seq.) provides any person with the right to inspect and copy public records of all public bodies in the state. The law establishes a clear presumption of openness, requires agencies to bear the burden of justifying any denial, and covers all branches of state government as well as municipalities, school committees, and other governmental entities. Agencies must respond within ten business days, with a possible extension to thirty business days for complex or voluminous requests.

Fee waivers are available for news media, elected officials, or others who can demonstrate a public benefit. The Rhode Island Attorney General's office actively enforces APRA, and violations may result in civil fines up to $2,000 per incident. Courts may also award attorney's fees to prevailing requesters. Common exemptions include attorney-client communications, personnel records, and trade secrets. Rhode Island's combination of administrative enforcement and civil penalties makes it a relatively strong regime for requesters.