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Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

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Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

Today the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to amend the Code of Ethics to close a loophole that allows public officials and employees to take unlimited gifts from lobbyists. The Commission did this at the request of Common Cause Rhode Island which filed a petition to close the loophole. This is the first time since 2012 that the Commission has voted to strengthen the state’s ethics laws.

Media Contacts

John Marion

Executive Director, Rhode Island
jmarion@commoncause.org
401-861-2322

Common Cause Rhode Island frequently provides commentary on democracy reform issues. To talk with John Marion please reach out using the contact information above.

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Mattiello will release revised bills at least 24 hours before a vote

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Mattiello will release revised bills at least 24 hours before a vote

House Democrats loyal to Speaker Nicholas Mattiello on Thursday approved a revised set of rules to govern the chamber over the next two years, including a provision requiring that amended bills are published at least 24 hours before a vote.

Performative Irony: House Committee on Rules makes a “small step” towards reform

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Performative Irony: House Committee on Rules makes a “small step” towards reform

Speaking to me on the floor of the Rhode Island House of Representatives ahead of the House Committee on Rules vote on 5037A, the chair of the committee, Representative Arthur Corvese (Democrat, District 55, North Providence), told me that “I’m comfortable with [the changes to the bill].” He added, “Small steps.”

At packed hearing, Mattiello urged to loosen RI House rules

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At packed hearing, Mattiello urged to loosen RI House rules

Lawmakers and members of the public packed the usually sleepy House Rules Committee on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to convince Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and his allies to open up the legislative process.

Critics Call For Change To RI Legislative Rules; Leadership-Backed Plan Moving Ahead

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Critics Call For Change To RI Legislative Rules; Leadership-Backed Plan Moving Ahead

A group of citizens and ‘Reform Democrats’ urged the House Rules Committee Tuesday night to make broader changes to the rules governing the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the next two years. But the House Rules Committee could approve rules as soon as Thursday that don’t address most of the differences sought by critics.

Lawmakers have returned to tackle a host of familiar issues

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Lawmakers have returned to tackle a host of familiar issues

The General Assembly reopened Jan. 1 with a new configuration of legislators facing many of the same issues that have been circulating in the state…

Laborers union, IGT and Twin River lead list of inaugural gala sponsors

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Laborers union, IGT and Twin River lead list of inaugural gala sponsors

Some of Rhode Island’s biggest corporations opened their checkbooks to pay for Gov. Gina Raimondo’s inaugural ball, including the gaming company the state paid $52 million last year to run Rhode Island’s online lottery operations; and the owners of the Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.

‘Reform Caucus’ calls on Mattiello to publish bills 48 hours before a vote

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‘Reform Caucus’ calls on Mattiello to publish bills 48 hours before a vote

More than a dozen Rhode Island House Democrats who call themselves the "Reform Caucus" put forward a set of changes Wednesday they say will open up the legislative process and help them better serve their constituents.

Mattiello gives ‘Reform Caucus’ platform a look

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Mattiello gives ‘Reform Caucus’ platform a look

A group of House Democrats opposed to Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s reign on Tuesday proposed changes to the legislative process they hope will disperse some of the power that has concentrated in the speaker’s office over the years back to rank and file lawmakers.

R.I. General Assembly preview: Guns, pot, abortion back on the agenda

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R.I. General Assembly preview: Guns, pot, abortion back on the agenda

Rhode Island’s part-time lawmakers will begin a new legislative session on New Year’s Day that starts where the last one left off in June, with a strong push from the left for the legalization of marijuana, an abortion-rights guarantee and a ban on firearms on school grounds. But first: will Nicholas Mattiello remain House speaker?

Raimondo creates committee to promote Census participation

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Raimondo creates committee to promote Census participation

Gov. Gina Raimondo is assembling a committee to make sure as many people living in Rhode Island as possible, preferably all of them, are counted in the 2020 Census.

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