Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2433

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant.

Impact

The implementation of S2433 could significantly impact state laws regarding transparency in local governance. By requiring public disclosure of legal issues and costs, the bill aims to provide constituents with better insight into how their local governments handle legal matters. This transparency may help cultivate trust between communities and their local officials, ensuring that residents are aware of potential liabilities and expenditures associated with municipal actions.

Summary

S2433 is a legislative bill that mandates municipalities to disclose specific information regarding any legal actions in which they are named as defendants. The requirements include providing detailed summaries of the substantive issues of the legal action, the name of the attorney representing the town or city, and all related legal costs and expenses. This disclosure must be made available on the municipality's official website at the end of each fiscal year, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in local government operations.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding S2433 may arise from concerns about privacy and the bureaucratic burden this disclosure could impose on smaller towns or cities. Opponents may argue that making detailed legal action information public could deter municipalities from seeking necessary legal representation or hinder their ability to engage in legal negotiations. Conversely, supporters of the bill emphasize that transparency is essential for holding local governments accountable and ensuring that taxpayer funds are managed responsibly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0369

Actions By And Against Towns

RI H5260

Actions By And Against Towns

RI S1076

Authorizing The Town Of North Kingstown To Issue Not More Than $222,460,000 Of Bond And Notes Of Which

RI H6429

Authorizing The Town Of North Kingstown To Issue Not More Than $222,460,000 Of Bond And Notes Of Which

RI S1070

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

RI H6453

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

RI S0981

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6376

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.