Woonsocket Radio News Room

Senate adopts McKenney rule change to post committee testimony online

 

STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) adopting its rules for the 2025-26 session.

The resolution (2025-S 0594) requires the online posting of written testimony received by Senate committees, similar to the process for the House of Representatives and joint legislative committees.

“As leaders, it is essential we make the legislative process as open and transparent as possible. Rhode Islanders deserve easy access to public information, including written testimony on legislation, and I am grateful the Senate is poised to take this important step forward. It will benefit the public and our chamber as an institution,” said Senator McKenney, who chairs the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight.

The part-time nature of the Senate committee clerks has prevented this practice in prior years. However, President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) notes that he believes the increased transparency this change would provide for the public warrants the investment it will require. 

“Our Senate leadership team is proud to support Chairman McKenney’s rules resolution and the proposal to post committee testimony online. Responsibly balancing our available resources with the many demands on staff is always a challenge, but it is time to take this important step forward. Improving access to public testimony will strengthen the committee process, improve public transparency, and foster trust in government, all of which is essential to the work we do at the State House,” said President Ruggerio.                                                  

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