Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7985: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7985 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS. Primary sponsor: David Bennett (Democratic), Doc Corvese (Democratic), Dick Fascia (Republican), Bill O'Brien (Democratic), Pat Serpa (Democratic), Tom Noret (Democratic), Paul Santucci (Republican), Mike Chippendale (Republican), Jackie Baginski (Democratic), Earl Read (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 31, 2026): 03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Requires those with a public records request to provide identifying information.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Bennett | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 20 |
| Doc Corvese | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 55 |
| Dick Fascia | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 42 |
| Bill O'Brien | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 54 |
| Pat Serpa | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Tom Noret | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 25 |
| Paul Santucci | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 53 |
| Mike Chippendale | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 40 |
| Jackie Baginski | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 17 |
| Earl Read | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 26 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections