Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0583

Introduced
2/26/25  

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

By requiring municipalities to disclose detailed information about ongoing legal actions, S0583 aims to promote a culture of openness within local governments. This could potentially result in increased public scrutiny and engagement, as constituents would have access to pertinent information regarding how their local governments are handling legal matters. Such transparency is expected to foster greater trust and accountability in municipal governance, as residents will be better informed about the legal risks and financial implications associated with their towns or cities.

Summary

The bill S0583 introduces new requirements for municipalities regarding the disclosure of legal actions. Specifically, it mandates that towns and cities that are named defendants in legal claims must provide detailed information about these actions on their official websites. This includes the substantive issues of each legal action, the name of the attorney representing the municipality, and a breakdown of all related costs, including court costs, legal fees, and any compensatory damages awarded. The intent of this measure is to enhance transparency and accountability in governmental processes involving legal disputes.

Contention

However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of this bill. Critics could argue that the requirement to disclose legal action details could expose municipalities to reputational risks, particularly in cases where the legal actions may involve sensitive issues. Additionally, some local government officials might view this as an added administrative burden that could divert resources away from other pressing matters. Balancing the need for transparency with the potential downsides of public exposure is likely to be a point of contention among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.