RI Senate Committee Testimony Now Posted Online

STATE HOUSE — Senate committee testimony received in writing on proposed legislation is now available online.

The testimony can be found under “Senate Committee Documents” on the home page at rilegislature.gov. Oral testimony for all Senate committees can be still be watched on demand on the Capitol Television page on the General Assembly website.

The new webpage comes as a result of a rules change (2025-S 0594) passed by the Senate last week that requires the online posting of written testimony received by Senate committees, similar to the process for the House of Representatives and joint legislative committees.

Senate Committee testimony online a transparent step

“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 Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick), 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.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.