Requires nonprofit, as a condition for requesting state funds from the general assembly, to submit & post on their website, a list of10 of their highest paid director, officer & employee salaries & any forms of compensation provided to those individuals.
Impact
The implementation of H5454 is expected to significantly alter the relationship between the state government and nonprofit organizations. By requiring detailed salary disclosures, the bill aims to ensure that public resources are allocated transparently, potentially fostering greater trust in nonprofit operations. The expectation is that this transparency will help state lawmakers and the public identify how effectively nonprofits utilize state grants and funding. However, there may be concerns among nonprofits regarding privacy and the possible impact on their ability to attract talent due to public scrutiny of salaries.
Summary
House Bill 5454 introduces new transparency requirements for nonprofit entities seeking state funding in Rhode Island. Specifically, it mandates that these organizations must provide and publicly post detailed information regarding the compensation of their highest-paid directors, officers, and employees. This includes salaries, benefits such as health insurance and other forms of compensation, as well as a comprehensive account of all funding sources such as endowments and fundraising activities. The purpose of this bill is to enhance accountability and transparency in the utilization of state funds by nonprofits.
Contention
While the bill has been framed as a necessary step toward financial accountability, it may face opposition from nonprofit advocates who argue that such disclosure requirements place an undue burden on organizations. Critics may contend that the bill could discourage individuals from serving in nonprofit leadership roles due to the public disclosure of their compensation. Additionally, there may be debates about the implications of publicly available salary information, with some asserting it could lead to misconceptions regarding nonprofit pay structures and hinder their operational effectiveness.
Specifically adds healthcare employees to those persons eligible under the criminal injuries compensation statute if they are assaulted during the course of their employment.
Requires DCYF to prepare an annual report of all findings of suspected and/or verified violations of this chapter and share report on its website and to members of the general assembly.
Requires DCYF to prepare an annual report of all findings of suspected and/or verified violations of this chapter and share report on its website and to members of the general assembly.
Requires that any lease of tidal lands, or any license issued to use those lands, be approved by the general assembly, and that the coastal resources management council review all request prior to presentation to the general assembly.
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.
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.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Reduces the number of years from five (5) to three (3), when calculating for retirement purposes, the average of the highest consecutive years of compensation, for state and municipal employees.