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3/19/2021
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Rep. Marszalkowski’s bill that allows virtual public meetings to continue past the pandemic heard by committee
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Alex D. Marszalkowski’s (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland) legislation (2021-H 5891) which allows virtual public meetings to continue until July 1, 2023 was heard by the House State Government & Elections committee last week.
The legislation, developed in partnership with the RI Department of Business Regulation (RIDBR), allows the state, municipalities, boards and commissions to continue using virtual meetings and electronic public participation by amending the Open Meetings Act in the hopes of protecting the public from the pandemic and generating greater public participation through electronic remote access to public meetings.
“While there certainly has been a learning curve for many, virtual meetings have proven quite successful in keeping the public engaged civically during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we are seeing a much higher level of engagement from the public since allowing virtual meetings under the Open Meetings Act. The public deserves to have a safe and effective way to participate in their government and this can be achieved by extending the use of virtual public meetings beyond the pandemic,” said Representative Marszalkowski.
The legislation is supported by the RIDBR, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, RIHousing, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association.
“In-person meetings are still extremely important to our system of government and once the pandemic subsides I expect them to restart. But, after all that we have learned this year, I also believe that it is important that we give individuals and groups the option of virtual meetings and remote electronic access and I thank RIDBR for helping craft this significant piece of legislation for the public. At the end of the day, we all want an engaged, passionate and knowledgeable public and if extending this amendment to the Open Meetings Act brings in more people to participate, I think that’s a good thing and should be offered,” concluded Representative Marszalkowski.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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