Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7495

Introduced

2/4/26

Refer

2/4/26

Caption

Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend Title 17 of the General Laws concerning elections, thereby formalizing the allowable use of campaign funds for security purposes. Specifically, it would set a cap on the amount that can be spent for physical security equipment and its installation, limited to $10,000 per candidate per election cycle. Additionally, the legislation clearly outlines unauthorized uses of campaign funds, which include purchases of firearms, payments to family members, or unrelated home improvements. This change aims to provide clear guidelines for candidates while ensuring campaign funds are used appropriately.

Summary

House Bill H7495, titled the 'Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures Act', was introduced to the Rhode Island General Assembly in January 2026. The bill's primary purpose is to allow election candidates and officeholders to utilize campaign funds for security-related expenses. These expenses may include the purchase and installation of security systems for their homes and offices, as well as ongoing monitoring services, particularly in response to threats related to their public service or candidacy. The implementation of such provisions aims to enhance the safety of candidates and their immediate families in an increasingly concerning political climate.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the scope and justification for utilizing campaign funds for personal security expenses. Critics could argue about the implications of allowing such funds to be diverted from traditional campaign activities toward personal safety enhancements, especially considering the lack of a requirement for documented threats or law enforcement verification. This provision may raise concerns about transparency and accountability in campaign finance. Overall, the bill seeks to strike a balance between ensuring candidate safety and maintaining the integrity of campaign financing standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6234

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

RI H6254

Authorizes office of health and human services (EOHHS) to establish coverage for obesity treatments, including medication. Office of health and human services would seek a 1115(a) waiver.

RI H5997

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

RI H5440

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

RI S0516

RI S0038

RI H6349

HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE RECOGNITION OF THE POKANOKET TRIBE AS THE ANCIENT AND ONGOING STEWARDS OF THEIR ANCESTRAL HOMELAND, AND ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR CENTRAL ROLE IN SHAPING THE REGION'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

RI H5300

Considers election officials and poll workers "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

RI S0729

Considers election officials and poll workers "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

RI S0105

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF APPROXIMATELY $30,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $100,000 to each public school in Rhode Island for school safety and security improvements.)