Bill > H7495

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law, specifically Section 17-25-7.2 of the General Laws concerning campaign contributions and expenditures, to permit the use of campaign funds for home and office security expenses. These security expenses can include the purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrading of physical security equipment such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and locks, as well as ongoing monitoring services directly associated with such equipment. This change is being made in response to threats that may arise from an individual's public service or candidacy, and it adds this provision as a tenth category of permitted expenditures, alongside other allowable uses like ordinary and necessary campaign expenses, office equipment, and certain travel costs. The bill also clarifies that it will take effect immediately upon its passage.