Woonsocket Radio News Room

Senate rules proposal calls for online posting of committee testimony

STATE HOUSE – Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight Chairman Mark McKenney will introduce a resolution outlining the proposed Senate rules for the 2025-26 legislative session.

One provision of the new proposed rules would require the online posting of written testimony received by Senate committees, similar to the process for House of Representatives and joint legislative committees.

“As leaders, it is essential we make the legislative process as open and transparent as possible. Rhode Islanders deserve easy access to public information, including written testimony on legislation, and I am grateful the Senate is poised to take this important step forward. It will benefit the public and our chamber as an institution,” said Chairman McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick).

The part-time nature of the Senate committee clerks has prevented this practice in prior years. However, President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio notes that he believes the increased transparency this change would provide for the public warrants the investment it will require.

“Our Senate leadership team is proud to support Chairman McKenney’s rules resolution and the proposal to post committee testimony online. Responsibly balancing our available resources with the many demands on staff is always a challenge, but it is time to take this important step forward. Improving access to public testimony will strengthen the committee process, improve public transparency, and foster trust in government, all of which is essential to the work we do at the State House,” said President Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence).

The rules resolution will be heard before the Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight Committee on Monday, March 3, at 4 p.m.

The hearing will be live streamed at capitoltvri.cablecast.tv, after which it will be available to view on demand.