How much is that public records request? McKee orders RIDOT to refund news outlets

This article originally appeared in the Rhode Island Current on February 1, 2024 and was written by Christopher Shea.  

Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion said RIDOT’s decision to charge media outlets is “not a great precedent.” He said while the APRA law allows agencies to demand payment, they often don’t charge reporters.

And if they do, news outlets historically don’t pay much.

“This was an unusual situation,” Marion said. “Hopefully this norm of not typically charging the media for records that are clearly in the public interest doesn’t erode because of this one incident.”

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