Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2140

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Provides that compensation comparability studies of senior management, documents discussed at an open meeting, annual contracting reports, list of current salaries and positions, and all policies and procedures of public corporations be made public.

Impact

The enactment of S2140 will significantly alter the landscape of governance for quasi-public corporations by enforcing stringent transparency measures. By making compensation and performance information public, the bill is designed to promote open governance and empower citizens to hold these organizations accountable. This move is seen as a step towards eliminating any possible opacity surrounding the salaries of executive management and the decision-making processes within these quasi-public entities, potentially influencing future practices regarding corporate governance and public sector employment standards.

Summary

Bill S2140, titled the Quasi-Public Corporations Accountability and Transparency Act, aims to enhance transparency requirements for quasi-public corporations within the state. Introduced by Senators Bissaillon, LaMountain, Appollonio, McKenney, and Famiglietti, the bill mandates that various documents and information pertaining to these corporations be made publicly accessible. This includes job descriptions, compensation comparability studies, quarterly financial statements, operating budgets, and strategic plans, among other essential documents. The proposed law intends to ensure that the operations of quasi-public entities remain accountable to the public they serve.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that increased transparency is essential for public trust, there may be contention surrounding the specifics of what information should be disclosed and how it could impact the recruitment and retention of qualified professionals in quasi-public roles. There could also be concerns from some members about the potential for this requirement to expose sensitive information or impair operational efficiency. The debate may focus on finding a balance between transparency and fair compensation practices while safeguarding proprietary information.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0806

Provides that compensation comparability studies of senior management, documents discussed at an open meeting, annual contracting reports, list of current salaries and positions, and all policies and procedures of public corporations be made public.

RI S0042

Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.

RI H5034

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

RI S0742

Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.

RI H5523

Requires public bodies to offer translation services for all open meetings of said bodies.

RI H5451

Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.

RI S0807

Requires public bodies to offer translation services for all open meetings of said bodies.

RI H5271

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

RI S0668

Requires that any state agency, state institution of higher education, and quasi-public agency that engages in printing more than 50 copies of a contract, publication, brochure, notice, or promotional material to use a state-owned or operated print shop.

RI S0479

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.