AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Designates traffic accident data as public records in Rhode Island, while preserving federal restrictions on use under 23 U.S.C. § 407.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor

Summary of SB 2480 ( Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

Proposes to designate traffic accident data and related records as public records, with certain federal limitations.

Aims to increase transparency by making traffic accident information accessible to the public, while ensuring compliance with federal law (specifically 23 U.S.C. § 407).

Key provisions

Amends Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 38-2 (Access to Public Records) by adding a new section: 38-2-17 (Traffic accidents and improvement data).

Public disclosure:

Records that, under 23 U.S.C. § 407, would not be discoverable or admissible in court proceedings or usable in damage actions shall nonetheless be deemed public records in Rhode Island when requested or otherwise released.

Restrictions and notice:

The records may not be used for purposes prohibited by 23 U.S.C. § 407.
When releasing the record to the public (in response to a public records request or otherwise), a public body may provide written notice clarifying the restrictions on use as dictated by federal law.

Effective date:

Takes effect upon passage of the act.

Who/what is affected

Public bodies (state agencies, municipalities, and other entities subject to Rhode Island’s public records law) that hold traffic accident data.

Potentially broad categories of traffic accident information, including data that is ordinarily not admissible in court or usable in damage actions under federal law, now publicly accessible with stated restrictions.

Stakeholders include journalists, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and members of the public seeking access to traffic-related records.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced February 6, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Action history shows scheduled consideration/hearing around May 21, 2026.

The act would become law immediately upon passage (no delayed or phased-in effective date).

Practical impact and considerations

Transparency: Increases transparency by making certain traffic data publicly accessible.

Federal compliance: Maintains compliance with 23 U.S.C. § 407 by recognizing restrictions on how the data may be used, and permitting public bodies to inform requesters of these restrictions.

Potential use cases: Public safety analysis, transportation planning, policy research, journalism, and public oversight of traffic safety initiatives.

Caution for users: While data would be public, certain information remains restricted in its use due to federal law; recipients may need to avoid uses prohibited by 23 U.S.C. § 407.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language brief for non-specialists or compare this proposal to Rhode Island’s existing public records framework.