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HB 7676

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 7 co-sponsors

Requires livestreaming of city/town and school board meetings from Jan 1, 2027, and allows certain advisory bodies to participate via videoconference with recordings and transparen

06/05/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 7676

Summary: HB 7676 (Rhode Island, 2026) Open Meetings

Purpose and Intent

HB 7676, introduced February 11, 2026, revises Rhode Island’s Open Meetings law to:
- authorize certain advisory bodies to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing.
- mandate livestreaming of meetings for all city and town councils and school boards/committees starting January 1, 2027.
- enhance accessibility and transparency provisions related to notice, minutes, and recordings.

The bill is primarily focused on expanding remote participation options, ensuring public access to meetings, and updating notice/minutes/recording requirements.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Definitions and Scope (42-46-2)

  • Clarifies "Advisory body" as entities that provide advice to decision-making bodies and do not have binding decision authority.
  • Expands interpretation of "Public body" to include all state/municipal bodies, with an emphasis on units funded publicly (minimum 25% of operating budget).
  • Defines "Meeting" to include regular discussions, workshops, and work sessions.
  • Includes provisions for electronic communications and open forums.

2) Videoconferencing for Advisory Bodies (42-46-5)

  • Advisory bodies may participate in meetings by videoconferencing, subject to specific conditions.
  • Remote participation rules cover accessibility, quorum implications, and identification of participants.
  • If any members participate remotely, the meeting must be recorded and available online within 24 hours after adjournment and retained for 5 years.
  • Remote participation must ensure public access, audibility, and non-discrimination compliance.
  • Remote participation for University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees and Rhode Island Life Science Hub is authorized per existing rules, with additional requirements for videoconferencing transparency during public meetings.

3) Livestreaming Requirement (New subsection, 42-46-5(b)(7))

  • Effective January 1, 2027, all city and town councils and school boards/committees must provide livestreaming of their meetings without cost to the public.
  • Livestream notices must include access instructions and a link to a recording, with recordings posted online within 24 hours of adjournment and kept for 5 years.
  • Remote participation not automatically allowed; exceptions apply as governed by other subsections.

4) Public Notice and Agenda Management (42-46-6)

  • Annual written notice of regularly scheduled meetings required.
  • Supplemental notice required at least 48 hours in advance, detailing the meeting’s business.
  • Documents to be discussed must be posted or linked electronically.
  • Emergency meetings allowed with expedited posting and a stated justification.

5) Minutes and Recording (42-46-7)

  • Public bodies must keep written minutes including attendance, votes, and other relevant business.
  • Votes must be recorded by member.
  • Certain local volunteer fire organizations have shortened timelines for posting unofficial minutes to the Secretary of State’s website.
  • Minutes from closed sessions must be handled per open/closed meeting rules and may be released at the next regular meeting unless otherwise voted.

6) Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (42-46-13)

  • Requires public bodies to develop a transition plan to ensure accessibility of open meetings for people with disabilities.
  • Builds on federal/state nondiscrimination requirements and mandates planning with the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities and the State Building Code Standards Committee.
  • Transition compliance expected by July 1, 1990, with further facility changes by December 30, 1991; extension possible for good cause.

Timeline and Effective Date

  • Effective date: upon passage.
  • Livestreaming mandate for city/town councils and school boards: January 1, 2027.
  • Videoconferencing provisions and related rules apply as specified for advisory bodies and other authorized entities.
  • Notice/electronic filing with the Secretary of State required within rules to be promulgated (with a one-year delay for filing requirements).

Affected Parties

  • Advisory bodies (state and municipal) may use videoconferencing.
  • City and town councils and school boards/committees will be required to livestream meetings beginning 2027.
  • Members participating remotely must meet accessibility and transparency standards.
  • Public and news media/public officials gain enhanced access to meetings via livestreams and recordings.

Procedural Notes

  • The act includes a public complaint mechanism through the Attorney General if notices are not transmitted as required.
  • Public bodies must file agendas/minutes with the Secretary of State per the rules set forth.

Overall, HB 7676 modernizes open meetings by embracing remote participation, mandating livestreaming, and strengthening transparency and accessibility in Rhode Island government operations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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