Authorizes the committees of the general assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely.

Remote Public Testimony Bill

This bill would allow Rhode Island's legislative committees to give members of the public the option to testify remotely — meaning people could share their opinions on proposed laws through video or phone conferencing instead of having to show up in person at the State House. Currently, public testimony before legislative committees typically requires physical attendance. This bill would formally authorize committees to offer remote participation as an option.

The bill would affect any Rhode Island resident who wants to have their voice heard during the lawmaking process. People who face barriers to attending in-person hearings — such as those with disabilities, limited transportation, work or family obligations, or those who live far from the State House in Providence — would have a new way to participate. It's important to note that the bill *authorizes* committees to allow remote testimony, meaning it would be up to each committee to decide whether to offer that option, rather than requiring all committees to do so.

This bill is still in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee, with a hearing scheduled for April 2026. If passed, it would essentially update Rhode Island's open meetings rules to reflect the growing use of remote communication technology, potentially making the legislative process more accessible to a broader range of citizens.