Records Laws

The Rhode Island General Laws include numerous statutes and sections that deal with government records and information management requirements. Two core laws are the Public Records Administration Act, and the State Archives and Historical Records Act. Below are extracts of key sections from these laws pertaining to agency recordkeeping responsibilities, as well as links to the full text of the chapters.

Extracts from Rhode Island General Laws

• Agencies' Recordkeeping Responsibilities (PDF Document)
• Local Government Recordkeeping Responsibilities (PDF Document)

Full Text of Applicable Rhode Island General Laws

• RIGL 38-1 Public Records - Custody and Protection
• RIGL 38-3 Public Records - Public Records Administration Act
• RIGL 42-8.1 State Affairs and Government - State Archives and Historical Records Act
• RIGL 42-35 Administrative Procedures Act