The bill amends Section 17-25-7.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-25, which pertains to the reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures in Rhode Island. It introduces a new provision that explicitly prohibits the personal use of campaign funds by elected officials or candidates. The bill defines personal use as any expenditure not related to gaining or holding public office and outlines specific prohibited expenditures, such as payments for personal housing, clothing, and family-related expenses.

Additionally, the bill allows for the use of campaign funds for security-related expenses, which includes the purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of physical security equipment for homes or offices, such as surveillance cameras, door access controls, locks, alarms, and motion detectors. It also includes monitoring and other services directly associated with such physical security equipment. This provision aims to enhance the safety of candidates and officeholders. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2334  SUB B: 17-25-7.2