Bill > H7450

This bill amends Rhode Island campaign finance laws to prohibit self-dealing with campaign committee funds and donations made under fictitious names, while also clarifying that contributions from multiple political committees controlled by the same entity will be treated as coming from a single committee. Specifically, it introduces new rules to prevent individuals in control of a campaign committee (controlling persons) from improperly benefiting from committee funds, such as by prohibiting payments for personal residences, tuition, or certain entertainment expenses, unless specific conditions are met to demonstrate the payment is a legitimate business expense. The bill also strengthens prohibitions against anonymous or fictitious donations, imposing stricter penalties for violations, and clarifies that "accounts payable" (money owed for campaign expenses) that remain outstanding for extended periods will be treated as in-kind contributions subject to contribution limits. Additionally, it requires agents or contractors making expenditures on behalf of a committee to promptly provide the necessary information for reporting, and mandates that if the electronic reporting system is capable, this information will be publicly accessible online.

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