RI H8078

Authorizes both county and statewide grand juries to issue reports on matters involving persons subject to the Rhode Island code of ethics or matters of public concern, requiring concurrence of at least 12 jurors and signatures from each concurring juror.

Requires the presiding superior court justice to review reports and accept them as public records only if supported by a preponderance of evidence, after named individuals were given opportunity to testify, and the report contains no privileged, irrelevant, or prejudicial material.

Mandates 30-day written notice to all persons named in a report, allowing them to review the report and submit written objections before public release.

Permits courts to order redactions of prohibited material or seal reports entirely if public filing would prejudice pending criminal matters.

Grants named individuals 30 days to appeal acceptance of a report to the Rhode Island Supreme Court before public filing; allows the Attorney General to appeal if a report is rejected.