Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7640

Introduced
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/14/26  

Caption

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- COURT, ADMINISTRATION

Impact

If enacted, H7640 will significantly modify how state, county, and municipal agencies handle sensitive personal information of protected individuals. The bill mandates that upon a written request from a protected individual or their authorized agent, agencies must promptly remove personal information from public view and keep it confidential thereafter. This change intends to reduce the risks associated with potential harassment or threats faced by those in the judiciary due to their public roles. Compliance is legally required, which holds violators accountable should breaches occur.

Summary

House Bill 7640 aims to enhance the protection of personal information for individuals associated with the Rhode Island judicial system, including judges, magistrates, and their immediate family members. This bill amends existing court administration laws to establish confidentiality measures that prevent public agencies from posting or disclosing the personal details of these protected individuals without their explicit consent. The emphasis on confidentiality seeks to safeguard the privacy of those who serve or have served in the judiciary, ensuring that their personal details such as addresses and phone numbers are not publicly accessible.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding H7640 include the balance between public transparency and individual privacy rights. While proponents argue this bill is necessary for the safety and privacy of judicial members, critics may raise concerns about the implications for public access to information related to the judiciary's operations. Additional debates may center around how broadly 'personal information' is defined and whether this could inadvertently shield judicial proceedings from public scrutiny, affecting accountability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0581

Protect the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

RI H5892

Protects the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

RI H6286

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI S1152

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI H5451

Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.

RI S0742

Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.

RI H5959

Required public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.

RI H5836

Would require every high school to offer a yearlong “ethnic studies” course.

RI S0512

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

RI H5121

Creates a process for licensure and oversight by DBR over the practices and procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and the regulating of fees.

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