This article originally appeared in Newport This Week on February 22, 2024 and was written by Philip Cozzolino.  

Below is executive director John Marion’s comment on legislation introduced by State Sen. Lou DiPalma that will expand access to public records.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause RI, said the current set up prevents penalties from acting as a deterrent due to the pay structure of fines for government when a violation is found.

“One of the crazy things about the current law is that the government can end up paying fines to itself,” he said. “If the government withholds a record and has to pay a fine, it’s just going back into the trenches of the general treasury. In this case, we’re going to put it to good use and dedicate it to APRA compliance.”

To read the full article, click here.