A bill in Rhode Island would have banned anonymous public records requests, requiring that each request contain at least a name and email or mailing address. The bill died in the legislature after being held for further study.

“All requests to inspect and/or copy public records shall include sufficient identifying information to permit verification of the requester’s identity and to allow the public body to communicate regarding the request,” the proposed change read.

A group of 10 bipartisan lawmakers proposed the bill, while a group of 10 Democrats filed a companion bill. Under Rhode Island’s current law, anonymous requests are allowed and you are not required to show ID when inspecting records.

Posted: September 28, 2026
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Secrecy Tracker