RI S2612

Adds a new definition of "advisory body" to Rhode Island's Open Meetings law, covering government entities that provide advice or recommendations but lack decision-making authority

Permits advisory body members to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing, with requirements including: free public access to the platform, members must be visible on camera to count for quorum/voting, roll call votes for non-unanimous decisions, and recordings posted online within 24 hours and retained for 5 years

Requires all city and town councils and school boards to provide free livestreaming of their meetings beginning January 1, 2027, with recordings available online within 24 hours and retained for 5 years

Beginning January 1, 2028, city/town councils and school boards that allow public input must also provide videoconferencing access for remote public participation

Mandates that all documents discussed at open meetings be posted or linked with the electronic agenda filed with the Secretary of State, and documents reviewed at public meetings shall be deemed public records available upon request