Felag and Gallison Score 100 Percent in Open Meetings Compliance

Two legislators who represent Bristol and Warren earned the top score of 100 percent in adhering to the state Open Meetings Law, Rhode Island Secretary of State Ralph Mollis announced on Tuesday.

Committees chaired by Sen. Walter Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) and state Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) complied with the law in every case reviewed, Mollis said in a statement noted the release of his "Access 2012" report.

“Accountability is a crucial gauge of government’s willingness to keep the public informed about its work,” said Mollis.

Felag, who chairs the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, scored 100 percent for the second straight year.

“It has always been my goal, as an individual legislator and chairman of the Senate committee, to conduct the people’s business in the most candid, open and transparent way possible," Felag explained in the statement. "I was elected to be here to serve the people of my district and the state, and that can only be accomplished if the people are fully informed of the work that is being done.”

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, on which Gallison serves as chairman, also repeated the 100-percent rating for a second year.

"Providing the public with notification of meetings and legislation being considered is truly important because these bills have a tremendous impact upon our veterans, as well as the men and women currently serving in our military," said Gallison. "I am honored to chair this committee and I am proud that Speaker Gordon Fox has provided us with the technological tools and staff support to be in compliance with all the open meetings laws."

Information provided by the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office.