Legislative Updates

Senate resolution commemorating April 3-9, 2022, as "National Library Week" in the state of Rhode Island.

Requires the general assembly appropriate funds to the state librarian for the purpose of caring for, preserving and cataloguing property in the state in the keeping of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Requires that all meetings closed to the public be recorded by audio tape or other audio recording device.

Requires Internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.

Establishes the eleven (11) member broadband council to create a plan to increase the use of broadband service in the state. The council would include a library representative.

Amends various sections relating to libraries to delete outdated provisions and update language to reflect current practices affecting library technology, and would increase from two (2) years to five (5) years the award of the statewide reference resource center contract.

Requires the office of diversity, equity and opportunity (ODEO) to create and for all state and municipal employees to receive annual training in cultural competency.

Amends the "open meetings act" to allow virtual meetings and participation by electronic communication until July 2023.

Requires live streaming, over the Internet, of any open meeting of every municipal and state public body, including the executive departments.

Provides increases in the minimum wage commencing July 1, 2021,to $13.00 per hour with a $1.00 increase to that amount on July 1, 2022,and on July 1, 2023.