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Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

Press Release

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

September 30, 2025

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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After signature review, state elections panel affirms Matos’ place on ballot

News Clip

After signature review, state elections panel affirms Matos’ place on ballot

No "obvious pattern of fraud," says RI Board of Elections.

August 17, 2023

State board says Matos has over 500 signatures

News Clip

State board says Matos has over 500 signatures

“It is clear that changes to the process must be made."

August 17, 2023

NBC 10 talks with John Marion about signature matching

News Clip

NBC 10 talks with John Marion about signature matching

Marion discusses lessons that can be learned from the recent signature matching scandal.

August 16, 2023

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on today’s Board of Elections vote

Press Release

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on today’s Board of Elections vote

"It is clear that changes to the process must be made."

August 15, 2023

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on RI Board of Elections vote to review of signatures on nomination papers

Press Release

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on RI Board of Elections vote to review of signatures on nomination papers

"Today’s vote starts us on a path to determine what went wrong, and also what went right."

August 9, 2023

In a reversal, RI Board of Elections will now scrutinize Matos’ nomination signatures

News Clip

In a reversal, RI Board of Elections will now scrutinize Matos’ nomination signatures

John Marion on the Board of Elections decision to review Matos' nomination forms.

August 9, 2023

Critics slam R.I. congressional candidate for family-funded super PAC

News Clip

Critics slam R.I. congressional candidate for family-funded super PAC

John Marion, the executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said the FEC’s coordination rules and enforcement are “quite weak.”

August 9, 2023

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

News Clip

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

John M. Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said the busy debate schedule will give candidates lots of chances to secure chunks of support in what is expected to be a low-turnout special election.

August 9, 2023

Campaign finance violations are soaring. Here’s why that’s not a bad thing.

News Clip

Campaign finance violations are soaring. Here’s why that’s not a bad thing.

Though campaign finance violations have increased in 2023, John Marion explains why that is proof that Rhode Island's system is working.

August 8, 2023

BOE: Not enough time to review alleged signature fraud

News Clip

BOE: Not enough time to review alleged signature fraud

State election panel affirms the process worked despite ongoing investigation

August 2, 2023

After Matos scandal, R.I. Board of Elections urged to investigate all signatures

News Clip

After Matos scandal, R.I. Board of Elections urged to investigate all signatures

John Marion talks about the signature matching system in Rhode Island.

August 1, 2023

‘A little upsetting’ to find late parents’ names involved in signature scandal, woman says

News Clip

‘A little upsetting’ to find late parents’ names involved in signature scandal, woman says

August 1, 2023

Demystifying Democracy

Press

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

Media Contacts

John Marion

After signature review, state elections panel affirms Matos’ place on ballot

State board says Matos has over 500 signatures

NBC 10 talks with John Marion about signature matching

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on today’s Board of Elections vote

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on RI Board of Elections vote to review of signatures on nomination papers

In a reversal, RI Board of Elections will now scrutinize Matos’ nomination signatures

Critics slam R.I. congressional candidate for family-funded super PAC

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

Campaign finance violations are soaring. Here’s why that’s not a bad thing.

BOE: Not enough time to review alleged signature fraud

After Matos scandal, R.I. Board of Elections urged to investigate all signatures

‘A little upsetting’ to find late parents’ names involved in signature scandal, woman says

Hello! It looks like you're joining us from {state}.

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole﻿

Media Contacts

John Marion

After signature review, state elections panel affirms Matos’ place on ballot

State board says Matos has over 500 signatures

NBC 10 talks with John Marion about signature matching

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on today’s Board of Elections vote

Statement from Common Cause Rhode Island on RI Board of Elections vote to review of signatures on nomination papers

In a reversal, RI Board of Elections will now scrutinize Matos’ nomination signatures

Critics slam R.I. congressional candidate for family-funded super PAC

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

Campaign finance violations are soaring. Here’s why that’s not a bad thing.

BOE: Not enough time to review alleged signature fraud

After Matos scandal, R.I. Board of Elections urged to investigate all signatures

‘A little upsetting’ to find late parents’ names involved in signature scandal, woman says

Hello! It looks like you're joining us from {state}.

Common Cause is fighting to make a democracy that works for everyone.

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole