The bill seeks to amend Chapter 38-2 of the General Laws, titled "Access to Public Records," to better balance the public's right to access records with individual privacy. It expands the definition of "agency" or "public body" to include police departments of private higher education institutions and refines the definition of "public record," exempting certain electronic mail messages and correspondence of elected officials. The bill clarifies that medical records, attorney-client privileged records, and certain personnel information are not public, while pension records, barring medical and beneficiary information, are open for inspection. It outlines conditions under which law enforcement records are not public, but makes initial arrest records and charges against adults public. The bill also mandates that final reports of internal affairs investigations and police body-worn camera recordings, especially those involving use of force, are subject to public records law and must be made available within specific timeframes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the procedures for accessing public records, requiring public bodies to establish written procedures, designate a public records officer or unit, and make these procedures easily accessible to the public. It also addresses the handling of requests, response timeframes, and the format in which data should be provided. The bill nullifies contractual provisions that keep public records confidential, extends the timeframe for arrest log information availability, and requires annual compliance statements. It reduces the cost for copied documents, prohibits excessive charges, and allows for fee reductions or waivers under certain conditions. The bill increases civil fines for violations, makes settlement agreements of legal claims against or by a governmental entity public, and requires the attorney general to publish an annual report on complaints received. Lastly, it amends the confidentiality provisions related to 911 calls and makes certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2256: 39-21.1-17