COVID-19 Information Technology Resources

For Public Entities Regarding Remote Public Meetings

In conjunction with Executive Order 22-01, the Department of Administration is providing the following updated guidance for public meetings::

  1. In the event that a meeting is held at a physical location, the media and the public should be permitted to attend, while being mindful of the applicable requirements including those set forth in Executive Orders 21-87 and 21-116, as and may be further supplemented and/or amended (see https://governor.ri.gov/executive-order-archive).
  2. In the event that either audio and/or video coverage of a meeting is interrupted, the meeting shall be suspended, with the record reflecting such suspension, until such time as functionality is restored.
  3. Members of a public body should allow themselves to be visible to the public during the entirety of a remote-video meeting.
  4. At the commencement of a meeting, the record should reflect which members are in attendance in person, if any, and which members are participating remotely, if any.
  5. It is important that each member identify themselves before speaking so that the record is clear as to who is discussing or questioning a matter. And, it is prudent to have all votes be taken by roll call with identification of the person voting.
  6. If possible, all documents anticipated to be publicly presented at a meeting should be posted on the public body’s website prior to the start of the meeting. Such posting should not be considered as part of any record until admitted into evidence and/or the record by the presiding officer. In the event that an unanticipated document is introduced at the open meeting, the public body should post the document to its website as soon as practicable.
  7. Instructions for how the public may access and participate in the meeting shall be placed in the agenda for the meeting.  Additionally, the agenda shall contain contact information for a representative of the public body who may be notified in the event of technical difficulties.

Further Reference Information on Holding Remote Public Meetings

Please click here for additional resources provided by the Department of Business Regulation on holding remote meetings.