Rhode Island § 38-2-8 - Access to Public Records
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-8 — Access to Public Records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-2-8. Access to Public Records
R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-8
§ 38-2-8. Administrative appeals.
(a) Any person or entity denied the right to inspect a record of a public body may petition the chief administrative officer of that public body for a review of the determinations made by his or her subordinate. The chief administrative officer shall make a final determination whether or not to allow public inspection within ten (10) business days after the submission of the review petition.
(b) If the custodian of the records or the chief administrative officer determines that the record is not subject to public inspection, the person or entity seeking disclosure may file a complaint with the attorney general. The attorney general shall investigate the complaint and if the attorney general shall determine that the allegations of the complaint are meritorious, he or she may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief on behalf of the complainant in the superior court of the county where the record is maintained. Nothing within this section shall prohibit any individual or entity from retaining private counsel for the purpose of instituting proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the superior court of the county where the record is maintained.
(c) The attorney general shall consider all complaints filed under this chapter to have also been filed pursuant to the provisions of § 42-46-8(a), if applicable.
(d) Nothing within this section shall prohibit the attorney general from initiating a complaint on behalf of the public interest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 279, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2006,
ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 472, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 454,
§ 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 38-2-8
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-8 cover?
Section 38-2-8 ("Access to Public Records") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 38-2-8?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-8" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 38-2-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.