Bill > S2619

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to prevent corporations and other "artificial persons" (entities like companies, non-profits, or trusts that exist due to state law, not natural individuals) from spending money or resources to influence Rhode Island elections or ballot questions. It achieves this by revoking all existing powers granted to these artificial persons and then re-granting only those powers necessary for their basic business, charitable, cooperative, or organizational activities, explicitly excluding any "political spending power." Political spending power is defined as the ability to spend money or anything of value to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures, with an exception for bona fide news and commentary unless controlled by a political entity. The bill clarifies that artificial persons do not have a right to political spending power and that exercising it will be considered an illegal act, potentially leading to the forfeiture of their state-granted privileges like limited liability. The Secretary of State will administer these changes, and the Attorney General will enforce them.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/