The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 42-9 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section that grants the Attorney General of Rhode Island the authority to take legal action against persistent illegality in business or governmental activities. The new section defines "persistent illegality" as an ongoing or continuing course of illegal conduct and "repeated" as more than one illegal act or an act affecting more than one person. It authorizes the Attorney General to apply to the state's superior court for an order to enjoin the continuation of such illegal acts and to direct restitution, damages, and penalties. Additionally, the Attorney General is empowered to take proof, determine relevant facts, and issue civil investigative demands prior to any application, with such authorization remaining in effect regardless of any action or proceeding initiated under this section.
The bill also stipulates that the Attorney General must prepare and submit an annual report to the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and the Governor by February 1st in 2026 and 2027. This report should include the number of investigations conducted, applications made to the superior court, outcomes of these applications, and any recommendations or noteworthy information. The section introduced by the bill is set to expire on December 31, 2026, but any pending applications or matters before the superior court as of that date will not be affected. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, and will sunset on December 31, 2026.