The bill amends the General Laws regarding "Access to Public Records," expanding the definition of "public record" to include all recorded data, such as emails, with the exception of those from elected officials in their official capacities. It clarifies that records related to attorney-client or doctor-patient relationships, personal privacy, and trade secrets are exempt from being public. However, it stipulates that records from any entity contracting with the state are public, including those used in proposals and bids involving taxpayer money. The bill also lists various types of records that remain confidential, such as child custody and adoption records, certain law enforcement records, and others, while making pension records of public retirement system members available for public inspection, excluding medical and beneficiary information.

The bill introduces a new section prohibiting state employees and representatives from entering into non-disclosure agreements regarding state contracts, ensuring that records from entities with state contracts, including proprietary and financial information, are public. It requires state departments to annually submit a list of contractors, compensation, and all records provided to the state to the budget office for online public inspection. The bill removes previous language that limited the disclosure of certain information, aiming to enhance transparency and public access to records related to state contracts and services. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7846: 38-2-2, 42-90-1