reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-24 - Compelling Performance of Election Duties › Section 17-24-2. - Performance of duties by supreme court appointee.

§ 17-24-2. Performance of duties by supreme court appointee.
The person appointed by the court, as provided in § 17-24-1, shall immediately proceed to perform the duties devolved upon him or her by the court, and the acts done by him or her in pursuance of his or her appointment shall be as effectual and valid in all respects as if the acts had been done and performed by the person failing, neglecting, or refusing, at the time and in the manner provided by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 326, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-24-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-24 - Compelling Performance of Election Duties › Section 17-24-3. - Powers of court appointee — Hindering performance.

§ 17-24-3. Powers of court appointee — Hindering performance.
The person appointed by the court, as provided in § 17-24-1, shall be deemed an officer of the court and shall have full and free access to all records and papers necessary to enable him or her to perform the duties devolved upon him or her by the court, and any person interfering with or in any way hindering his or her discharge of his or her duties shall be liable to those penalties that may be prescribed by the court for contempt, and it shall be the duty of the sheriffs of the several counties and their deputies to see that the provisions of this chapter are enforced within their respective counties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 326, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-24-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-1. - Short title.

§ 17-25-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-2. - Declaration of policy.

§ 17-25-2. Declaration of policy.
It is declared to be in the public interest and to be the policy of the state to require the reporting of certain contributions received and expenditures made to aid or promote the nomination, election, or defeat of all candidates for public office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-4. - Applicability.

§ 17-25-4. Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply in any primary, general, or special election or town meeting for any public office of the state, municipality, or district or for the determination of any question submitted to the voters of the state, municipality, or district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-5.1. - Manual of legal requirements.

§ 17-25-5.1. Manual of legal requirements.
The board of elections shall prepare and publish a manual prescribing the requirements of the law, and the secretary of state shall have copies of the manual available for individuals filing candidacy papers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-5.2. - Segregation of campaign funds.

§ 17-25-5.2. Segregation of campaign funds.
(a)
All campaign funds received and expended by a candidate, office holder, treasurer, or deputy treasurer, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be segregated from all other accounts. The candidate or office holder must maintain a separate campaign account, which shall not contain any non-campaign funds, at a financial institution that has a physical branch within this state. The comingling of a candidate’s personal or business funds with campaign funds is expressly prohibited. As used herein, the term “financial institution” includes a bank or a credit union.
(b) Applicability to political action committees.
The provisions of this section shall apply to political action committees, as well as to individual candidates and office holders.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 20, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 23, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-6. - Repealed.

§ 17-25-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-7.1. - Repealed.

§ 17-25-7.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 2, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 4, effective April 29, 1992.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-7.3. - Testimonial proceeds intended for personal use prohibited.

§ 17-25-7.3. Testimonial proceeds intended for personal use prohibited.
It is unlawful for any candidate for public office, as defined in § 17-25-3, or any elected public office holder to accept the proceeds of any testimonial, as defined in § 17-25-3, for personal use, as defined in § 17-25-7.2, which were received after April 29, 1992. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of testimonials for the lawful purpose of raising campaign funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-7.4. - Limitations on repayment of loans.

§ 17-25-7.4. Limitations on repayment of loans.
Campaign contributions received pursuant to this chapter shall not be used to repay cumulative personal loans that were made on or after April 29, 1992, to a campaign by a candidate in excess of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) during an election cycle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-7.5. - Electronic reporting — Declaration of purpose.

§ 17-25-7.5. Electronic reporting — Declaration of purpose.
The State of Rhode Island is committed to facilitating public access to reports of campaign contributions and expenditures by candidates for public office and other entities required to file campaign finance reports.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-7.6. - Electronic reporting.

§ 17-25-7.6. Electronic reporting.
(a)
The filing of campaign finance reports to the board of elections shall commence in accordance with the following schedule:
(1)
Candidates for general office shall commence filing campaign finance reports electronically beginning with the report required to be filed for the first quarterly reporting period in 2002.
(2)
All other candidates for public office and political parties, other than state political parties, who raise or expend more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) annually, or whose report shows a balance of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more in their campaign fund shall commence filing campaign finance reports electronically beginning with the second quarterly reporting period in 2008; provided, that all candidates may commence filing campaign finance reports electronically beginning with the first report required to be filed for the first quarterly reporting period in 2002.
(3)
State political parties, political action committees and vendors required to file campaign finance reports and who raise or expend more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) annually, or whose report shows a balance of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more in their campaign fund shall do so commencing with the first report required to be filed for the first quarterly reporting period in 2002.
(b)
The board of elections shall have the authority to adopt regulations to implement and administer the provisions of this section.
(c)
Notwithstanding anything else in this section and subject to the implementation of an electronic reporting and tracking system, the board of elections shall have the authority to delay implementation of the requirements of this section by up to ninety (90) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 529, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-8. - Appointment of campaign treasurer by candidate — Filings.

§ 17-25-8. Appointment of campaign treasurer by candidate — Filings.
(a)
Each candidate in an election shall file a “notice of organization” with the board of elections and appoint one campaign treasurer before receiving any contribution or expending any money in furtherance or aid of the candidate’s candidacy. The “notice of organization” shall include the name and address of the candidate, the campaign treasurer, and the committee being established. The candidate shall declare the office being sought and shall comply with the financial statement requirement of § 36-14-16(c).
(b)
A candidate may appoint deputy campaign treasurers as required. The candidate shall file the names and addresses of deputy campaign treasurers with the board of elections.
(c)
A candidate may remove a campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer. In the case of the death, resignation, or removal of a campaign treasurer, the candidate shall appoint a successor as soon as practicable and shall file his or her name and address with the board of elections within ten (10) days. A candidate may serve as his or her own campaign treasurer, and upon failure to designate a treasurer, the candidate shall be designated his or her own treasurer by the board of elections.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 229, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-8.1. - Appointment of treasurer by political action committee — Filings.

§ 17-25-8.1. Appointment of treasurer by political action committee — Filings.
(a)
Each political action committee shall appoint one campaign treasurer before receiving any contribution or expending any money for the purpose of advocating the election or defeat of any candidate.
(b)
A campaign treasurer of a political action committee may appoint deputy campaign treasurers as may be required. The committees shall file the names and addresses of the deputy campaign treasurers with the board of elections.
(c)
Any political action committee may remove at any time its campaign treasurer. In the case of the death, resignation, or removal of its campaign treasurer, any committee shall appoint a successor as soon as practicable and shall file his or her name and address with the board of elections within ten (10) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-9. - Designation of campaign treasurer of political party committees — Filings.

§ 17-25-9. Designation of campaign treasurer of political party committees — Filings.
(a)
Each state and municipal committee of a political party shall, on or before January 31 of each year, designate a campaign treasurer and shall file the name and address of that person with the board of elections.
(b)
A campaign treasurer of the state or municipal committee of a political party may appoint deputy campaign treasurers as may be required. The committees shall file the names and addresses of the deputy campaign treasurers with the board of elections.
(c)
Any state or municipal committee of a political party may remove at any time its campaign treasurer. In the case of the death, resignation, or removal of its campaign treasurer, any committee shall appoint a successor as soon as practicable and file his or her name and address with the board of elections within ten (10) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-10. - Lawful methods of contributing to support of candidates — Reporting — Disposition of anonymous contributions.

§ 17-25-10. Lawful methods of contributing to support of candidates — Reporting — Disposition of anonymous contributions.
(a)
No contribution shall be made or received, and no expenditures shall be directly made or incurred, to support or defeat a candidate except through:
(1)
The candidate or duly appointed campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer of the candidate;
(2)
The duly appointed campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer of a political party committee;
(3)
The duly appointed campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer of a political action committee.
(b)
It shall be lawful for any person, not otherwise prohibited by law and not acting in concert with any other person or group, to expend personally from that person’s own funds a sum that is not to be repaid to him or her for any purpose not prohibited by law to support or defeat a candidate; provided, that any person making the expenditure shall be required to report all of his or her expenditures and expenses, if the total of the money so expended exceeds one hundred dollars ($100) within a calendar year, to the board of elections within seven (7) days of making the expenditure and to the campaign treasurer of the candidate or political party committee on whose behalf the expenditure or contribution was made, or to his or her deputy, within seven (7) days of making the expenditure. The treasurer or his or her deputy shall cause the expenditures and expenses to be included in his or her reports to the board of elections. Whether a person is “acting in concert with any other person or group” for the purposes of this subsection shall be determined by application of the standards set forth in § 17-25-23.
(c)
Any anonymous contribution received by a candidate, campaign treasurer, or deputy campaign treasurer shall not be used or expended, but shall be returned to the donor, if the donor’s identity can be ascertained; if not, the contribution shall escheat to the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 20, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 23, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-11.1. - Preservation of candidate or committee records.

§ 17-25-11.1. Preservation of candidate or committee records.
(a)
For every report filed after the effective date of this chapter, the campaign treasurer of each candidate seeking nomination for election or election to public office shall maintain and preserve all records and supporting documentation for a period of four (4) years from the filing date.
(b)
For every report filed after the effective date of this chapter, the treasurer of each political party committee and political action committee shall be required to maintain and preserve all records in support of the committee reports filed pursuant to § 17-25-11 for a period of four (4) years from the filing date.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-11.2. - Requirements for appointment of a treasurer or deputy treasurer — Examination and certification of accounts.

§ 17-25-11.2. Requirements for appointment of a treasurer or deputy treasurer — Examination and certification of accounts.
(a) Appointment of treasurer or deputy treasurer.
Whenever a campaign account containing campaign funds received and expended by a candidate, office holder, or treasurer, subject to the provisions of this chapter, receives or expends at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in any year, the account shall require the appointment of a treasurer or deputy treasurer, who shall be a person other than the candidate. For such accounts, a candidate may remain as either a treasurer or deputy treasurer on his or her campaign account; provided, the treasurer or deputy treasurer who is not the candidate shall examine all campaign account records and shall certify to the substantial accuracy of the campaign finance report at the time of filing with the board of elections, on a form to be prepared by the board of elections.
(b) Applicability to political action committees.
The provisions of this section as to examination and certification shall be applicable to political action committees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 23, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-12. - Prohibited contributions.

§ 17-25-12. Prohibited contributions.
No contributions shall be made, and no expenditure shall be made or incurred, whether anonymously, in a fictitious name, or by one person or group in the name of another, to support or defeat a candidate in a primary, general, or special election. No treasurer or candidate shall solicit or knowingly accept any contribution contrary to the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-13. - Penalties.

§ 17-25-13. Penalties.
(a)
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
(b)
The state board may fine any person or entity who violates the provisions of this chapter in an amount not more than one hundred dollars ($100) per violation.
(c)
Fines, fees, and penalties imposed by the state board for violations of this chapter shall be paid for by the candidate, officeholder, or entity against whose campaign the fines, fees, or penalties have been levied. Fines, fees, and penalties levied by the state board pursuant to this chapter shall not be paid for from contributions or funds available in a campaign account.
(d)
An elected official or candidate for office convicted of violating § 11-41-1, § 11-41-2, § 11-41-3, or § 11-41-4 where the theft is from a campaign account created, pursuant to this title, for the benefit of the person so convicted, all restitution shall be deposited into the Rhode Island crime victim compensation program fund and not into the campaign account of that person convicted of the offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 383, § 2, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 384, § 2, effective July 13, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-14. - Maintenance of party organization.

§ 17-25-14. Maintenance of party organization.
Any state or municipal committee of any political party may receive and disburse moneys for the general purposes of maintaining the organization during the whole or any part of the year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 298, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-16. - Enjoining of illegal acts — Forfeiture of contributions.

§ 17-25-16. Enjoining of illegal acts — Forfeiture of contributions.
(a)
Whenever the board of elections has reason to believe that a candidate, political party committee, or political action committee, or the campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer of the candidate or committee, has accepted a contribution or made an expenditure in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or willfully and knowingly has made a false statement in any of the reports required under this chapter or failed to file any report, or has otherwise violated this chapter, the board may, in addition to all other actions authorized by law, request the attorney general to bring an action in the name of the state of Rhode Island in the superior court against the person and/or committee to enjoin them from continuing the violation, or doing any acts in furtherance of the violation, and for any other relief that the court deems appropriate. In addition, the court may order the forfeiture of any or all contributions accepted in violation of and/or not reported as required by this chapter. All contributions so forfeited shall become the property of the state.
(b)
The court shall also impose a civil penalty not exceeding three (3) times the amount of:
(1)
Contributions made or accepted in violation of this chapter;
(2)
Expenditures made in violation of this chapter; and/or
(3)
Contributions or expenditures not reported as required by this chapter.
(c)
All funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the fund established for the public financing of the electoral system pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-17. - Severability.

§ 17-25-17. Severability.
(a)
If the provisions of this chapter or their application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
(b)
Without limiting the generality of subsection (a) of this section, if the application of any provision of this chapter to contributions and/or expenditures made in regard to ballot questions is held invalid, the provision shall remain applicable to contributions and/or expenditures made in regard to candidates.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-18. - Public financing of election campaigns — General purpose.

§ 17-25-18. Public financing of election campaigns — General purpose.
Whereas, the general assembly finds that the cost of running for statewide office has risen over the last decade at a rate far in excess of the increase in the cost of living; and
Whereas, the general assembly finds that the need to raise ever larger sums of money to effectively compete for general office threatens the essence of our democratic system by excluding many well qualified candidates; and
Whereas, the general assembly finds that the candidate’s need to raise large sums of money can result in disproportionate and inappropriate influence being obtained by those who possess the financial ability to make large contributions to campaigns; and
Whereas, the general assembly finds that the state cannot impose limitations on the amount of private funds raised and expended for election purposes by a candidate unless it provides for at least partial public financing of campaigns;
Therefore, the general assembly determines that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the state to provide public financing to qualified candidates for general office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-21. - Primary elections. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]

§ 17-25-21. Primary elections. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]
Any candidate eligible to receive public funds and electing to receive these funds who is challenged for nomination for general office in a political party primary shall be permitted to raise and expend an additional amount of private funds equal to one-third (⅓) of the maximum allowable expenditure amount for the office or equal to the total amount spent by the candidates’ opponent or opponents in the primary, whichever amount is less. The additional amount received in contributions must be expended prior to the primary election. The additional private contributions shall not be eligible for matching public funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3.
§ 17-25-21. Primary elections. [Effective January 1, 2024.]
Any candidate eligible to receive public funds and electing to receive these funds who is challenged for nomination for general office in a political party primary shall be permitted to raise and expend an additional amount of funds equal to one-third (⅓) of the maximum allowable expenditure amount for the office or equal to the total amount spent by the candidates’ opponent or opponents in the primary, whichever amount is less. The additional amount received in contributions must be expended prior to the primary election. Any candidate eligible to receive public funds and electing to receive these funds may use public funds made available pursuant to this chapter for any allowable expense, as defined in § 17-25-20, to seek party nomination for general office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 357, § 1, effective January 1, 2024; P.L. 2023, ch. 377, § 1, effective January 1, 2024.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-22. - Time period for payment of public funds. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]

§ 17-25-22. Time period for payment of public funds. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]
(a)
No public funds shall be dispersed to candidates until after the date of the primary election. In order to receive matching public funds, the candidate must be a candidate for general office who meets all of the requirements set forth in subdivision 17-25-20(6). The candidate must submit to the board of elections proof of receipt of qualifying private contributions and supporting documentation as required by the board. The board of elections shall, within five (5) business days of the receipt of the request for payment of matching funds, either pay over funds to the candidate or disallow all or a portion of the request and state in writing the reasons for the disallowance.
(b)
A candidate may submit supplemental applications for public funds until the time that the permitted limits are reached.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 230, § 1.
§ 17-25-22. Time period for payment of public funds. [Effective January 1, 2024.]
(a)
In order to receive matching public funds, the candidate must be a candidate for general office who meets all of the requirements set forth in § 17-25-20(6). The candidate must submit to the board of elections proof of receipt of qualifying private contributions and supporting documentation as required by the board. The board of elections shall, within five (5) business days of the receipt of the request for payment of matching funds, either pay over funds to the candidate or disallow all or a portion of the request and state in writing the reasons for the disallowance.
(b)
A candidate may submit supplemental applications for public funds until the time that the permitted limits are reached.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 176, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 357, § 1, effective January 1, 2024; P.L. 2023, ch. 377, § 1, effective January 1, 2024.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-24. - Additional expenditures.

§ 17-25-24. Additional expenditures.
Any candidate eligible to receive public funds and electing to receive these funds whose opponent does not elect to receive public funds shall be permitted to raise additional private contributions and make additional expenditures for election purposes in an amount in excess of the candidate’s maximum allowable expenditure limit equal to the amount by which the expenditures of the opponent exceed the maximum allowable expenditure limit that would have applied to the opponent’s expenditures had the opponent elected to receive public funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-25. - Surplus campaign funds.

§ 17-25-25. Surplus campaign funds.
Any candidate receiving public funds during any election cycle under the provisions of this chapter shall, within ninety (90) days after the completion of the election cycle, transfer to the general treasurer for deposit in the general fund fifty percent (50%) of any amount of the candidate’s total campaign funds unexpended as of the last day of the election cycle. The candidate may convert the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the amount to use for any political purposes not otherwise prohibited by law. The remaining fifty percent (50%) of that amount may not be converted to personal use by the candidate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-26. - Equal apportionment of expenditures for joint advertisements.

§ 17-25-26. Equal apportionment of expenditures for joint advertisements.
Any expenditure jointly made by any two (2) or more candidates for any newspaper, radio, or television advertisement primarily benefiting the candidate shall be attributed to and apportioned equally among those candidates who are clearly identified in that advertisement. The apportionments shall constitute campaign expenditures subject to all reporting requirements of this chapter and shall be counted toward any total campaign expenditures limit that may apply to each or any of the candidates.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-27. - Post-audit of accounts — Publication.

§ 17-25-27. Post-audit of accounts — Publication.
The board may conduct a post-audit of all accounts and transactions for any election cycle and may conduct any other special audits and post-audits that it may deem necessary. The board shall publish a summary of the reports filed by candidates for general office pursuant to the public financing provision of this chapter on or before April 1 of the year following any year in which elections are held for statewide elective office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-29. - Appropriations.

§ 17-25-29. Appropriations.
In the event the funds generated by the tax credit of § 44-30-2(d) fail to produce sufficient money to meet the requirements of the public financing of the electoral system as set forth in §§ 17-25-19 — 17-25-27, then funds sufficient to meet the levels of the public financing as set forth in this chapter shall be supplied from the general fund of the state treasury. There is appropriated from the general treasury those sums that may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of the public financing of the electoral system, and an amount equal to the total of all maximum amounts of matching public funds available to all party and independent candidates for general office qualifying and electing to receive public funds in an election shall be transferred to the board of elections no later than September 1 of each election year and deposited in a manner that will secure the highest rate of interest available consistent with the safety of the sums and with the requirement that all sums on deposit be available for immediate payment to eligible candidates at any time after the date of the primary election. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for transfer of all sums the board deems necessary to comply with this section. There shall also be transferred to the board any additional sums that may be required until the permitted limits are reached. The board shall account for all funds disbursed pursuant to this chapter and transfer upon the conclusion of any election for general office any and all undisbursed sums to the general treasurer for deposit in the general fund by December 1 in any year in which the election is held.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-30. - Public financing of election campaigns — Compliance benefits.

§ 17-25-30. Public financing of election campaigns — Compliance benefits.
Any candidate eligible to receive public funds who complies in full with eligibility criteria for receipt of the funds shall be:
(1)
Entitled to an additional benefit of free time on community antenna television to be allocated pursuant to rules determined by the administrator for the division of public utilities. During all allocated free time, the candidate shall personally appear and present the message of the advertisement; provided, however, the content of all television time shall include captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing and the content of all radio time must be available in a written or text format at the time of request; and
(2)
Entitled to an additional benefit of free time on any public broadcasting station operating under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island PBS foundation pursuant to rules determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). During all allocated free time, the candidate shall personally appear and personally present the message of the advertisement; provided, however, the content of all television time shall include captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing and the content of all radio time must be available in a written or text format at the time of request.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 235, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 50.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25 - Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting › Section 17-25-30.1. - Community antenna television — Rules and regulations.

§ 17-25-30.1. Community antenna television — Rules and regulations.
The administrator for the division of public utilities for the state of Rhode Island shall formulate rules and regulations concerning the allocation of advertising time to be used by those candidates for public office who are eligible to receive public funds and who comply in full with all eligible criteria for receipt of the funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.1 - Gambling Referenda › Section 17-25.1-1. - Repealed.

§ 17-25.1-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 332, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 3, effective June 27, 2006; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 3, 2006.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.1 - Gambling Referenda › Section 17-25.1-1.1. - Gambling referenda — Ballot question advocates.

§ 17-25.1-1.1. Gambling referenda — Ballot question advocates.
Any “ballot question advocate”, as defined in chapter 25.2 of title 17, advocating the passage or defeat of any gambling question shall, in addition to complying with and being subject to the provisions of chapter 25.2 of title 17, include in its reports filed under said chapter the following: (i) the name, address and, if applicable, the place of employment of every person making a contribution or contributions that in the aggregate exceed one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800) per election cycle to such ballot question advocate; and (ii) whether or not such contributor has any direct or indirect affiliation with any entity or person that operates or owns any type or kind of gambling facility or entity in any jurisdiction and, if so, the name of such facility or entity. “Gambling question” means any referendum that relates to a proposal to institute a casino within the state or to otherwise expand gambling in any form.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.1 - Gambling Referenda › Section 17-25.1-2 - — 17-25.1-6. Repealed.

§ 17-25.1-2 — 17-25.1-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 594, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 3, effective June 27, 2006; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 3, 2006.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-1. - Short title.

§ 17-25.2-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-2. - Declaration of policy.

§ 17-25.2-2. Declaration of policy.
It is declared to be in the public interest and to be the policy of the state to foster greater participation in ballot question advocacy in a transparent and open manner and to provide the public with sufficient information regarding the source of contributions received and expenditures made for ballot question advocacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-4. - No limitations on contributions or expenditures.

§ 17-25.2-4. No limitations on contributions or expenditures.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to limit the amount of monies contributed to or expended by a ballot-question advocate for the purpose of ballot-question advocacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-6. - Monies not expended on ballot measure.

§ 17-25.2-6. Monies not expended on ballot measure.
(a)
At the time of the filing of the final report required by subsection 17-25.2-5(c), any contributions received for ballot question advocacy and remaining with a ballot question advocate that exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) and have not been expended shall be disbursed in one or more of the following four (4) manners:
(1)
Transferal in whole or in part into another ballot question advocate account which has a purpose related to or consistent with that of the donating ballot question advocate;
(2)
Donations to or retention by a nonprofit organization recognized under § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 501, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States as from time to time amended;
(3)
Donations to the state of Rhode Island; or
(4)
Refund to the donor.
(b)
The ballot question advocate must annually report to the board of elections by June 30 of the calendar year any such remaining contributions and shall report distributions of any such remaining contributions within thirty (30) days of such distributions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-7. - Disclosure of true origin of contributions required.

§ 17-25.2-7. Disclosure of true origin of contributions required.
(a)
No person shall make a contribution to a ballot-question advocate for the purpose of ballot-question advocacy in any name except its own or in any manner for the purpose of disguising the true origin of the contribution.
(b)
No person shall form or use a corporation or other legal entity to advocate for the approval or defeat of a ballot question with the intent to:
(1)
Disguise the true origin of the funds; or
(2)
Evade the reporting requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-8. - Duties and powers of the board of elections.

§ 17-25.2-8. Duties and powers of the board of elections.
The board of elections is authorized to perform any duties that are necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the board of elections is authorized and empowered to undertake all actions set forth in § 17-25-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-9. - Penalties for violation.

§ 17-25.2-9. Penalties for violation.
(a)
Whenever the board of elections has reason to believe that a ballot-question advocate willfully and knowingly made a false statement in any report required under this chapter or failed to file any report, or has otherwise violated this chapter, the board of elections may, in addition to all other actions authorized by law, request the attorney general to bring an action in the name of the state of Rhode Island in the superior court against the person signing any such report and/or organization to enjoin them from continuing the violation, or doing any acts in furtherance of the violation, and for any other relief the court deems appropriate. In addition, the court may order the forfeiture of any and all contributions not reported in violation of this chapter.
(b)
The court may also impose a civil penalty for any violation of this chapter up to but not exceeding three (3) times the amount of:
(1)
Contributions and/or expenditures made or accepted in violation of this chapter; and/or
(2)
Contributions or expenditures not reported as required by this chapter.
(c)
All funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the fund established by the state for public information and education regarding the election process.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.2 - Ballot Question Advocacy and Reporting › Section 17-25.2-10. - Severability.

§ 17-25.2-10. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof shall for any reason be judged invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of the law, but shall be confined in its effect to the provisions or application directly involved in the controversy giving rise to the judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 174, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 292, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.3 - Independent Expenditures and Electioneering Communications › Section 17-25.3-2. - Optional use of separate campaign-related account by person, business entity or political action committee for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, and covered transfers.

§ 17-25.3-2. Optional use of separate campaign-related account by person, business entity or political action committee for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, and covered transfers.
(a)
A person, business entity or political action committee may make disbursements for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, or covered transfers using amounts from a bank account established and controlled by the person, business entity or political action committee to be known as the separate campaign-related account (hereafter in this section referred to as the “account”), which shall be maintained separately from all other accounts of the person, business entity or political action committee and which shall consist exclusively of funds that were paid directly to such account by one or more person, business entity, or political action committee other than the person, business entity, or political action committee that controls the account. A person, business entity, or political action committee shall not make transfers from its general treasury into an account established under this section that such person, business entity, or political action committee controls.
(b) Mandatory use of account after establishment.
If a person, business entity or political action committee establishes an account under this section, it may not make disbursements for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, or covered transfers from any source other than amounts from the account.
(c)
Exclusive use of account for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, and covered transfers. Amounts in the account shall be used exclusively for disbursements by the person, business entity or political action committee for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, or covered transfers. After such disbursements are made, information with respect to deposits made to the account shall be disclosed in accordance with subsection 17-25.3-1(f).
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 446, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 98.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-25.3 - Independent Expenditures and Electioneering Communications › Section 17-25.3-4. - Penalties.

§ 17-25.3-4. Penalties.
(a)
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
(b)
The state board of elections may impose a civil penalty upon any person, business entity, or political action committee who violates the provisions of this chapter in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or up to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the aggregate amount of the independent expenditures, electioneering communications, or covered transfers per violation, whichever is greater.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 446, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-26 - Penalties › Section 17-26-1. - Felonies.

§ 17-26-1. Felonies.
Every person who is convicted of any offense under this title which has been classified by the general assembly as a felony shall be imprisoned for a term of not more than ten (10) years, or fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both, for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 26; P.L. 1985, ch. 462, § 2.