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Rhode IslandH74952026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- SAFEGUARDING ELECTION CANDIDATES USING REASONABLE EXPENDITURES ACT .

Sponsored By: Jennifer Boylan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Candidate security allowed, with spending limits

The law lets candidates and elected officials use campaign or public funds for security. Covered costs include buying, installing, maintaining, and upgrading cameras, locks, alarms, and monitoring from companies licensed in Rhode Island. It can protect the candidate, campaign staff, and immediate family (spouse, registered partner, or minor children in the home). Spending on physical security equipment and installation is capped at $10,000 per person each campaign cycle. Campaign funds cannot buy firearms or ammo, pay family members or their businesses, or make home upgrades that are not for verified security. No proof of a specific threat or police sign-off is required.

Reporting and audit rules for security spending

Campaigns must report security expenses as non-campaign disbursements to the state agency. They must keep itemized receipts or invoices. Spending details are public under campaign finance laws, but plans, designs, and schematics are not disclosed. No documentation of a specific threat or police verification is required. The Board of Elections sets the reporting format and audit procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jennifer Boylan

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Edith H. Ajello

    Democratic • House

  • Jacquelyn M. Baginski

    Democratic • House

  • Matthew S. Dawson

    Democratic • House

  • Jenni A. Furtado

    Democratic • House

  • Katherine S. Kazarian

    Democratic • House

  • Michelle E. McGaw

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Messier

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer A. Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa A. Tanzi

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 88 • No: 20

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

ELECTIONS-RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS EXPENDITURE REPORT In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTING PASSAGE

Yes: 50 • No: 20

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 145

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/10/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/8/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/5/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/31/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)

    3/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

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