Attorney General Kilmartin Hosts Annual Open Government Summit

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is pleased to partner with Roger Williams University School of Law to host the 18th annual Open Government Summit, scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the school’s campus in Bristol. The Summit is free and open to the public; community members, public employees, elected officials, attorneys, and all those interested in learning more about transparency and accountability in government are encouraged to attend.

The Summit will begin with opening remarks by Attorney General Kilmartin and Michael J. Yelnosky, Dean for Roger Williams University School of Law. Assistant Attorney General Michael W. Field, Chief of the Open Government Unit, and Special Assistant Attorney General Lisa Pinsonneault will give presentations on the statutory requirements of the State’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA). The presentation will include 2015/2016 case law, best practices, and examples of frequent trouble areas.

The Summit will also feature a Q&A session with the Open Government Unit, where participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance or on that day.

«Our Open Government Summit has become a signature event for public officials and the public to attend and be trained in how to comply with the State’s open government laws,» said Attorney General Kilmartin. «I believe the event’s turnout is a testament to the commitment by public bodies to ensure they are in compliance, both in the letter and the spirit, of the laws. I am proud of the work this Office does to help promote accountability and transparency in the state.»

Details: Space in the main lecture hall is limited, and individuals who would like to attend the Open Government Summit should register with the Office of Attorney General. To register, please call (401) 274-4400, ext. 2101, or email agsummit@riag.ri.gov.

Fully embracing the principle of accessible government, Attorney General Kilmartin is again partnering with ClerkBase to stream the presentation live through the Attorney General’s website, www.riag.ri.gov. The live stream will commence at 9:00 a.m. the morning of the Summit.

Check-in takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Participation in the Summit qualifies for APRA certification pursuant to Rhode Island General Law §38-2-3.16.

If communication assistance is needed (e.g., signers, captioners) or any other accommodation to ensure equal participation, please contact us as soon as possible, but prior to July 25, 2016.

*This program is co-sponsored by the Roger Williams University Law Alumni Association and is certified for a total of 3 Continuing Legal Education Credits (zero ethics). Attorneys must be physically present at Roger Williams University to obtain CLE credits.