[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6621443,"mediaKeyId","2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28","parentId",2802531,"title","Senate committee hears concerns from nonprofits about proposed transparency rules for legislative grants; S579 held","audioSeconds",433,"startMs",167000,"endMs",600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28&start=167&end=600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28/thumbnail_167000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6621443/Rhode-Island/Senate-committee-hears-concerns-from-nonprofits-about-proposed-transparency-rules-for-legislative-grants-S579-held","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621443-0c57b50bbe760571b524846d9aefb936/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092646&Signature=b7MYI9WBk5adlD78w4N~1T4I6ddMXk3HyvABSIzRZWgdbb8GClZFFYek5j3kPmsKvVUZB0~4FsBC1B-0pcNo1VHyqCKCHq6uD9xNZrJ3DwAfDDhFR43TdW99QgVvH97nNrQu66USnF3gO4LPYLTF-coIlZr3~do6kJkc1zU2S-vUUo6-xXQV~6tSw1ya-ScUG7p1nOXgSMGQ8Qj-PJZkB2fVYIiqdeAaiHpE~5yULvVjLKVS7eNR2OLJLOzpwRiUEqgXlFVTRAGoygsxlG0NPt5OXNRk5K0YauXrAAJKFntfXdljQ8HTn4iPyVpMumPYhIT2clKtWptJnKcK-q4m1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State of Rhode Island","date","2025-03-27T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 579, which would add transparency requirements for nonprofits seeking state grants, was the subject of a committee hearing March 27 in the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee. Supporters said the measure would increase accountability for taxpayer-funded grants; multiple nonprofit witnesses warned the bill, as written, would impose burdens on small organizations and raise privacy concerns for staff.

Senator Burke explained the bill on the committee floor, saying it \"introduces new transparency requirements for nonprofits that seek state funding\" and would \"mandate detailed financial disclosures about executive compensation and funding sources as a condition for receiving grants from the general assembly.\"

Stephen Brown of the ACLU of Rhode Island testified in opposition. \"This would impose an enormous burden on lots of nonprofit organizations, particularly small nonprofits,\" Brown said, arguing the bill could require disclosure of the salaries of many employees and that the legislative process for allocating grants is where accountability concerns lie, not the grantees. He noted existing federal disclosure rules under IRS Form 990 typically require public disclosure of only the highest-paid employees and that the bill's scope would go beyond that.

Nancy Wolinski, director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island, also opposed the bill. She said the nonprofit sector faces substantial recruitment and retention challenges because sector salaries are low and that the state should address reimbursement and funding rates that affect service delivery. \"We have an enormous impact of low salaries, impacting the ability to staff important services across the state,\" Wolinski told the committee, calling for attention to Medicaid reimbursement and other funding policies.

The record included written-only opposition from several groups and witnesses. No proponents offered live testimony at the hearing.

After questions from committee members about existing federal disclosures and the nature of the burden, Senator Burke moved to hold S579 for further study; the motion was seconded by Senator Oyer and carried by voice vote. The bill was recorded as held for further study, and committee members noted staff might provide additional information about compliance burdens, overlaps with current IRS reporting and alternatives to the proposed disclosures.

The committee did not adopt amendments during the hearing. Witnesses supplied written materials, including a 2024 nonprofit survey cited by Wolinski documenting hiring challenges and long vacancies in the sector.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on Judiciary: 3-27-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 579, which would require nonprofits receiving legislative grants to disclose executive compensation and funding sources, drew opposition from multiple nonprofit witnesses who said the measure would be burdensome and might worsen staffing problems.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature RI, Rhode Island","taxId",77689,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621448,"Committee hears wide-ranging debate on Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act; bill held for further study",2019,1347000,3366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28&start=1347&end=3366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28/thumbnail_1347000.jpg","/articles/6621448/Rhode-Island/Committee-hears-wide-ranging-debate-on-Rhode-Island-Civil-Rights-Enforcement-Act-bill-held-for-further-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621448-fd223d1e07f4eed28e82420f94f8f463/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092646&Signature=oCpCUZbfV8LHwMxATo-YBdn26qkRthFDSb9TFVxfqsVK4ynZsJPRzuilAJBFpPA8B6LdVPMeqhf2kFSmFxJoqAE3ovsQ6Xfk6iMl4tcs0yjnNzjHxKgxbA48uYWtpQx6V3KG0CAmyEaHPBhy-7d38mREnrBWxdPNM3oaiZbgN934f6TxtVxXAxgSzIrbD5HY1kp98XrNtOXL2vNvSP~q0FY~BO30KPnS03dH-eJWVGffvPBiaVmrFiTEofFJaLWlIZJ-hFJn7c5YQJ~24idd4HKM8eZXAL8VUEyRC7y8ByTN6qJChz1Ec32F7EG4VAZ5PZheG9HIri7ur5Q-YvdhVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee on March 27 heard extended testimony on Senate Bill 538, the Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act, which would create a state statutory cause of action to enforce rights guaranteed in the Rhode Island Constitution. After more than two hours of testimony from attorneys, labor and civil-rights advocates, municipal representatives and trade associations, the committee voted to hold the bill for further study.

Proponents said the measure would give Rhode Islanders a remedy when state constitutional rights are violated. \"If the right is to mean anything, this body has to act and enact an enforcement statute,\" said Richard Sinappi, an attorney who said he has practiced in Rhode Island for more than 40 years and has worked with the ACLU. Sinappi told the committee that federal statutory relief under 42 U.S.C. §1983 does not fully protect state-created rights and that a state enforcement statute would provide compensatory remedies and deterrence.

Supporters included the ACLU of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Stephen Brown, legal director for the ACLU of Rhode Island, said the bill addresses a real gap: \"We have a state constitution that supposedly guarantees us very basic rights, but the court decisions say they are simply not enforceable,\" he said.

Opponents — including the Interlocal Trust, which represents most Rhode Island cities and towns — said existing statutory protections already provide remedies for many claims and warned that S538 could undercut doctrines such as qualified immunity, expose municipalities to broad liability and prompt a wave of litigation. Ian Ridlon, executive director of the Interlocal Trust, described the bill as \"a solution in search of a problem\" and said municipalities already face multiple statutory causes of action.

Other witnesses included labor and trade groups in support, and written opposition from police labor organizations. Christina Fernandez of the Rhode Island Association for Justice and Anthony Cherry of Build RI testified in favor; the International Brotherhood of Police Officers submitted written opposition.

Committee members asked about fee-shifting and the state budget. Sinappi said fee-shifting is essential for meaningful enforcement: \"If you're not going to have fee shifting here, don't bother passing the bill,\" he told the panel, arguing that without fee awards private litigants would not be able to obtain redress and deterrence would be weak. Municipal representatives warned that a broad fee-shifting regime could have large fiscal consequences and might encourage speculative suits.

The record also included discussion of procedural details: opponents noted a three-year statute of limitations referenced in the bill and cautioned that Rhode Island's practice of applying statutory interest (noted in testimony as 12% per year) could have large cost implications if claims are successful but delayed. Committee members asked whether the House version of similar legislation had narrower language on claims and summaries; witnesses said the House draft sought to address some implementation concerns by limiting the kinds of actions covered and clarifying required disclosures.

After questions and further remarks, Senator Burke moved to hold S538 for further study; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The matter was recorded as held for further study.

The committee did not take final action on amendments or adoption; instead members directed further review of scope, fee-shifting language and municipal fiscal impact studies.

The bill was the longest item on the committee agenda that day and drew the broadest range of witnesses. Committee staff will circulate written testimony and may schedule further hearings or amendments, according to the committee chair.","Supporters told the Senate Judiciary Committee that S538 would create a state-level cause of action to enforce rights in the Rhode Island Constitution; local governments and insurers warned it could spur litigation and undermine immunities. The committee voted to hold the bill for further study.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621433,"Senate Judiciary Committee holds multiple bills for further study after March 27 hearing",3922,60000,3982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28&start=60&end=3982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6621433/Rhode-Island/Senate-Judiciary-Committee-holds-multiple-bills-for-further-study-after-March-27-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621433-9f110a2f4aaa9f5f7b117a75eaf67be2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092646&Signature=XKg-Itmb3G3mD0-ThoKhwW5vmgSqJqB69uOjHDQIwOik0efdMKhDaCQat7KoUZPuZJjKZuoHVaO4cNoLOl7i-9Q0YZc-Y1gNM1RCrymWlkDmD5LZtt39Z1pSos3fWmvFqWmQ0eVGr0n5uDK9axWbK~agLfpSguXTNnSt9Y~yrAvhOAMo~bbGAqJ7t9PVjpR42DQnHVk-fYULiLHqwB28xUOBz7ojlS0cFo2eC97rYsYEKHFHpEO~DW5wiLlC0Hd0KQLiiE04XyweeOnwa8A-Cpo9FqGI6h6Jyly3cNRj7r7EjrXVTk-9G-KkDYnEEePuOgoERCcnIWwGQUnnQ8EoOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee on March 27 considered a slate of bills spanning constitutional amendments, transparency proposals and statutory clarifications and, after hearings and testimony, voted by voice to hold each matter for further study. No bill advanced from the committee that day.

Votes at a glance (all actions recorded as motions to hold for further study; outcomes recorded as held by voice vote):

- S308 (joint resolution on a constitutional amendment regarding the gubernatorial line-item veto): motion to hold; outcome: held for further study.

- S579 (nonprofit transparency for legislative grants): motion to hold (mover: Senator Burke; second: Senator Oyer); outcome: held for further study.

- S729 (criminal prohibition on threats to election officials and poll workers): motion to hold (mover: Senator Burke; second: Senator Dimitri); outcome: held for further study.

- S514 (require retirement board to post and archive online recordings of meetings): motion to hold (mover: Senator Burke; second: Senator Quezada); outcome: held for further study.

- S725 (constitutional amendment limiting debt incurrence by state entities without legislative and voter approval): motion to hold; outcome: held for further study.

- S538 (Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act): motion to hold (mover: Senator Burke); outcome: held for further study.

- S583 (municipal litigation disclosure requirement): motion to hold (mover: Senator Quezada; second: Senator Dimitri); outcome: held for further study.

- S288 (statutory clarification of gubernatorial term limits): motion to hold (mover: Senator Demetri; second: Senator Quezada); outcome: held for further study.

Several items drew extended testimony; others had brief introductions and no witnesses. Committee members frequently asked staff and witnesses for written analyses, fiscal impacts, or comparative statutory language to guide potential amendments. The committee recessed briefly during the meeting to allow late-arriving senators to join.

The committee adjourned after the motions to hold were approved; it did not set final deadlines for reintroduction or amendment of the held bills.","At its March 27 meeting the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee heard multiple bills and voted by voice to hold each for further study. The items included constitutional amendments, transparency measures, and statutory clarifications; no bills were advanced out of committee at the hearing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621438,"Bill to criminalize threats to election officials draws support and ACLU concern; S729 held",337,643000,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28&start=643&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2802531-9787c07b166471d5650c4565078f0d28/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/6621438/Rhode-Island/Bill-to-criminalize-threats-to-election-officials-draws-support-and-ACLU-concern-S729-held","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621438-8af5d91db87df61ccb10a30c949ec13c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092646&Signature=VtWs9WvTJaqxwuUpWKGzIeCkZYEkfIPNSs9b1khqo-SedQRJSMsn56yHecg1th17MUfSLhm-hNMr3jRfyRDLfYqxCYrDZAoOC9XE2aUwE308d7HC0pecbkCeLo4c0e1EToRNCf2PQNWoWl-nZjLotowGrO0xZyAinNvNe5XA0ujX8XNjtCEEffxBMR~mmAr1WFwa1EQvl~922Hvw374tPJzocPogCAF-vQj4BmA5aIpvgF38sPKR4TxpaQdRNiYUnmkD4eEP287H1Wtcm3102Hx9T8gmKX5-w5vTKcb365zVaSRtJ2ZvLZBDUXcdsFQMJHkttqH2kpu6lSNdtf6Psw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 729, a measure to add election officials and poll workers to Rhode Island's protected-class statute for harassment and threats, was presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 27. Supporters said the measure is needed to protect election workers from escalating threats; civil-liberties advocates said they support criminalizing threats but questioned elevating the offense to a felony and urged caution about expanding felony penalties.

Senator DeCoyan introduced the bill on behalf of the Secretary of State's office, saying the measure would treat \"election officials and poll workers as public officials for the purposes of the prohibition of making threats.\" He framed the bill as necessary to encourage civic participation and protect those who staff elections.

Rob Rock, a representative of the Secretary of State's office, told the committee the measure responds to documented threats and harassment aimed at election officials nationwide. \"We just want to be able to guarantee that all of the folks who help run the elections in Rhode Island are protected from the consequences of mis- and disinformation that has led to senseless acts of violence across the country,\" Rock said, adding that other jurisdictions have criminalized similar conduct.

Stephen Brown of the ACLU of Rhode Island said the organization does not oppose criminalizing threats but opposed making the offense a felony. \"We agree that these crimes ought to be punished, but we oppose turning it into a felony,\" Brown said, citing concerns about the broader trend of increasing sentences and the potential contribution to mass incarceration.

Committee members heard that other states — including Connecticut, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire — had recently enacted similar protections and that local clerks' and towns' organizations supported the bill. Committee discussion touched on scope, penalties and how the state should balance protections for election workers with criminal-justice policy considerations.

After testimony, Senator Burke moved to hold S729 for further study; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The bill was recorded as held for further study.

No amendments were adopted during the hearing; committee staff may seek additional information on penalty levels and comparable statutes before scheduling a further hearing.","Senate Bill 729 would add election officials and poll workers to the list of public officials protected from threats and harassment. Secretary of State representatives supported the measure; the ACLU expressed concern about elevating the offense to a felony. The committee held the bill for further study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee hears concerns from nonprofits about proposed transparency rules for legislative grants; S579 held

Committee hears wide-ranging debate on Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act; bill held for further study

Senate Judiciary Committee holds multiple bills for further study after March 27 hearing

Bill to criminalize threats to election officials draws support and ACLU concern; S729 held