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Blais v. Beacon Mutual Insurance
Citations: 812 A.2d 838; 2002 R.I. LEXIS 220; 2002 WL 31899253Docket: No. 2001-226-Appeal
Court: Supreme Court of Rhode Island; December 1, 2002; Rhode Island; State Supreme Court
The Supreme Court addressed a case on November 6, 2002, concerning an appeal by Leon Blais against The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company (Beacon), following Blais's request for public records under the Access to Public Records Act. Beacon partially complied but refused to disclose vendor information. Blais, representing himself, sought declaratory and injunctive relief, asserting his entitlement to the information under the Act. Beacon contended it was not a public agency per G.L. 38-2-2(1) and thus not subject to the Act's requirements. The trial justice determined that Beacon, established as a non-profit public corporation under a legislative charter, is not classified as a state agency and is not subject to the Act. Blais's appeal was deemed untimely as he filed it 22 days after the first valid judgment was entered on May 14, 2001, exceeding the 20-day appeal period in Supreme Court rules. The court emphasized that the appeal period is mandatory and that judgments are effective upon being signed and entered by the clerk. Consequently, the court affirmed the trial justice's ruling that Beacon is not a public body or agency and dismissed Blais's appeal, concluding that even if the merits were considered, the initial decision would be upheld. The court referenced information from an 'Agreed Statement of Facts' filed earlier.