ACLU PROTECTING PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW

The Journal reports on how information is routinely withheld from the public in RI and how the ACLU wants to change that.

The ACLU says it’s time for comprehensive reforms to the public records law, including:

•Requiring that arrest reports, including police narratives, be made available as soon as possible, but no later than three business days from a request.

•Requiring agencies to certify that those who handle open-records requests have been trained in the law’s requirements.

•Increasing fines to up to $5,000 for violations of the law. The law now allows for fines of up to $1,000 for “knowing and willful” violations.

•Prohibiting public bodies from demanding personal information from someone requesting public records.

•Reducing the time public officials have to respond to requests from 10 days to 3 days, or 10 days for “good cause.”

•Requiring that copying and search fees be waived if an agency fails to provide records in a timely manner.

The 25-page report, titled “The Public’s Right to Know vs. the Public’s Right to ‘No,’ ” was prepared for ACCESS/RI, a freedom-of-information coalition.