S.2612

Rhode Island S2612 allows advisory bodies to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing, mandates livestreaming for city and town councils.

Rhode Island S2612 amends the state's open meetings laws to allow advisory bodies to participate in public meetings using videoconferencing, subject to specific requirements. These requirements include ensuring the videoconferencing platform is accessible to the public without charge, providing notice of the meeting including instructions for public participation, and ensuring the livestream of the meeting is recorded and made available online. The bill also mandates that all city and town councils and school boards and committees provide a livestream of their meetings by January 1, 2027.