Open Meetings Act

Public Notice of Citizen’s Rights

The Open Meetings Act requires that meetings of public bodies, like the Central Falls City Council:

• Shall be accessible and open to the public, unless properly closed pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 5.
• Shall be advertised 48 hours before the meeting by posting notice
  • at the principal office of the public body holding the meeting (if no office exists, at the building where the meeting is to be held), and
  • in one other prominent place within the governmental unit and
  • electronically filed with the R.I. Secretary of State

The Access to Public Records Act requires that the public bodies:

• Shall provide access to public records unless exempt.
• Shall respond to a request for public records within ten business days of receipt of the request (for good cause, the time may be extended for an additional twenty business days).

Any citizen or entity of the state who is aggrieved by a violation of the Open Meetings Act or the Access to Public Records Act may file a complaint in Superior Court or with the Attorney General: Lisa Pinsonneault, Special Assistant Attorney General Rhode Island Office of Attorney General 150 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903

For more information on the Open Meetings Act or the Access to Public Records Act, please visit the Attorney General's open government website or call the Office of the Attorney General at (401) 274-4400 for further information.