Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Corrections

Public Hearings on Proposed Rulemaking

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) conducts public hearings to provide interested individuals and organizations an opportunity to comment on proposed rulemaking actions, including the adoption of new rules, amendments to existing rules, or the repeal of outdated rules. These hearings serve to promote transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation in the regulatory process.

Statutory Authority

Public hearings are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-2(a)(4), which governs the procedures state agencies must follow when developing or amending administrative rules.

Key Definitions

  • Department (RIDOC): The Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
  • Member of the Public: Any individual, business, firm, association, partnership, corporation, or other entity interested in participating in the rulemaking process.
  • Presiding Department Official: The RIDOC employee designated to conduct and oversee the public hearing.
  • Public Hearing: A formally convened meeting held for the purpose of receiving public comment on a proposed rulemaking.
  • Proposed Rulemaking: A proposed new rule, amendment to an existing rule, or repeal of a rule, as noticed in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-2.7.
  • Rule: As defined by Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-1(19).

Scheduling and Notice

Public hearings may be convened at the discretion of the Department or as required by law.
Advance notice of all hearings shall be issued in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws §§ 42-35-2.8 and 42-46-6 (Open Meetings Act).
The notice will specify the date, time, and location of the hearing, as well as procedures for submitting oral or written testimony.

Record of Proceedings

All public hearings shall be recorded in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-2.8(c).
Any official transcript, audio recording, or memorandum summarizing the hearing that is prepared by the Department shall be incorporated into the official rulemaking record pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 42-35-2.3(b)(5).

Participation Procedures

Oral Testimony

Members of the public who wish to offer oral testimony must sign the speaker list provided at the hearing.
Speakers will be called in the order in which their names appear on the list.
All remarks should be directed to the presiding official and must pertain to the proposed rulemaking under consideration.

Written Testimony

Written comments are welcomed and may be submitted as follows:

By Mail or Delivery:
Rhode Island Department of Corrections
Attn: Policy & Auditing Unit
18 Wilma Schesler Lane
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

By Email: DOC.Policy@doc.ri.gov

Written testimony may be submitted by mail, hand delivery, overnight courier, or email.

Standards of Conduct

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.
Disruptive behavior—including shouting, loud or excessive noise, or gestures that interfere with proceedings—will not be permitted.
The Presiding Department Official reserves the authority to maintain decorum throughout the hearing.

Importance of Public Participation

Public hearings play a critical role in ensuring that RIDOC’s regulatory actions are informed by diverse perspectives and grounded in fairness, transparency, and sound public policy.
The Department values public input and encourages participation from all interested parties.