Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

AG Neronha issues guidance on OMA requirements

following the expiration of Executive Order 21-72

 

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Office of the Attorney General has received several inquiries related to the expected expiration of Executive Order 21-72, which provides for virtual and hybrid meetings of public bodies during the COVID-19 state of emergency. That Executive Order is set to expire at the end of the day today, and the Governor has indicated that it will not be renewed.

 

After the Executive Order expires, meetings of public bodies must conform to the requirements of the Open Meetings Act (OMA). However, many public bodies and individuals have questions related to returning to in-person meetings, particularly considering the widespread adoption of technologies and platforms that facilitate virtual access and participation.

 

In anticipation of the expiration of the Executive Order, we have developed guidance to provide clarity on the requirements of the OMA, for both members of public bodies and members of the public.

 

The guidance clarifies that:

 

  • Members of the Public Body Must Attend Meetings In Person
  • Members of the Public Must Be Permitted In Person to Attend Open Meetings
  • Public Bodies May Live stream Their Meetings to the Public
  • Public Bodies May Permit Members of the Public to Participate Remotely in Open

Meetings

 

Access the full guidance document on our web site here.

 

###

 

Witness for the prosecution David Pecker is back on the stand in former President Trump's criminal hush money trial in New York City. The former National Enquirer publisher allegedly paid Playboy model Karen McDougal 150-grand as part of an alleged "catch-and-kill scheme" to squash an affair story involving the former President. That money is not part of the charges, but prosecutors want to establish a pattern that leads to the alleged 130-thousand dollars payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to cover up Trump's affair.        Tensions are high as protesters on a growing number of college campuses continue to call attention to the crisis in the Middle East. Demonstrators at Columbia University say they want the Ivy League school to divest from companies they say profit from Israel's violations of international law and Palestinian rights. Demonstrations also took place on the West Coast, with police reporting a large gathering on the campus Cal Poly Humboldt.       Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. In an interview with Ireland's RTE's Six One News, Pelosi called Netanyahu an obstacle to a two-state solution between Israel and Gaza. She said the U.S. recognizes Israel's right to protect itself but argued Netanyahu has been a block to peace in the region for years.        Severe thunderstorms may bring hail, wind damage and tornadoes to the central U.S. later this week. The first round of weather is expected to hit the Plains and Midwest starting on Thursday. Areas from Northwest Texas to western and central parts of Oklahoma and Kansas will be under the threat of wind damage and large hail.        The UK is passing a bill to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Britain's plan was condemned by humanitarian groups after Parliament approved the measure. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi [[ ruh-shee ]] Sunak [[ soo-naak ]] said deportation flights to Rwanda would begin in 10-12 weeks.        The NBA is investigating an incident involving one of Nikola Jokic's brothers at Monday night's game between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. That's according to TMZ Sports. Video on social media appears to show the older brother of the Nuggets star player punch a fan in the stands.        

Old News Archives