Rhode IslandS23342026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Hanna M. Gallo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Limits and bans on candidate security spending

There is a $10,000 cap per person, per campaign cycle, for physical security equipment and installation. Campaign funds cannot buy firearms or ammunition. You cannot pay family members or their businesses with campaign money. Campaign money cannot fund unrelated home improvements.

Candidates can use campaign funds for security

Candidates and elected officials can use campaign funds for security costs tied to their public role. Allowed costs include buying, installing, maintaining, or upgrading security equipment, plus monitoring or related services. Equipment must be installed by a Rhode Island licensed company. Spending can protect the candidate, campaign staff, or an immediate family member (spouse/partner or minor child at home).

Election board sets rules and audits

The Rhode Island Board of Elections sets the rules to carry out and enforce this law. The Board establishes standard reporting forms and audit steps for security spending. Campaigns must follow these rules when documenting security costs.

Report security costs; keep plans private

Security spending must be reasonably related to a security risk. You must report these costs to the state campaign finance agency as required for noncampaign disbursements. Keep itemized receipts or invoices. The public can see these expenses, but not plans, designs, or schematics. You do not need to show a specific threat or a police report.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Hanna M. Gallo
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Jacob Bissaillon
Democratic • Senate
John P. Burke
Democratic • Senate
Frank A. Ciccone, III
Democratic • Senate
Stefano V. Famiglietti
Democratic • Senate
Walter S. Felag Jr.
Democratic • Senate
Victoria Gu
Democratic • Senate
Matthew L. LaMountain
Democratic • Senate
Melissa A. Murray
Democratic • Senate
David P. Tikoian
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 162 • 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

Senate vote • 5/19/2026

ELECTIONS--SAFEGUARDING ELECTION CANDIDATES EXPENDITURE ACT Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0