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AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT — OPEN MEETINGS - Public Forum
S- 2787 McCaffrey
H- 7588 Lally

This bill amends sections 42-46-2 and 42-46-6. 42-46-2 would provide the definition of a Open Forum, which is the designated portion of an open meeting, if any, on a properly posited notice reserved for citizens to address the comments to a public body relating to matters affecting the public business. Additionally, it provides that public bodies or members thereof are not prohibited from addressing comments initiated by a member of the public during a properly noticed Open Forum, even if the subject matter of the comments were not previously posted if it is for informational purposes only and it is not voted on.

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS - ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS — Access to Public Records-Enforcement
S- 2181 McCaffrey
H- 7110 Kilmartin

This act would allow Attorney General’s office to institute a public records action directly on behalf of the state and its residents, without having to receive a request from an aggrieved citizen or party.

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS — ACQUISITION OF LAND
S- 2771 Pichardo
H- 7350 Kennedy

This act would provide procedural requirements for those bodies seeking to use eminent domain for the purpose of economic development. The legislation is aimed at the issues raised by Kelo v. New London. The bill, if enacted, would help reduce the harsh effects on homeowners manifested by the case of Kelo v. New London, where seizure of private homes for private development was found to be allowed by the Constitution if compensation was given.