 |
|
6/22/2026
|
New law allows use of campaign funds for security systems
|
STATE HOUSE — Responding to the growing number of threats and incidents of violence against candidates and elected officials in Rhode Island and across the country, the governor signed into law legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo and Rep. Jennifer Boylan to protect elected officials without spending taxpayer dollars by allowing campaign funds to be used for home security systems.
“Individuals who seek public office make many sacrifices, but they cannot be expected to sacrifice their personal safety,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), who serves as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. “Far too often, we are seeing threats and acts of violence against elected officials at all levels of government. Elected officials and their families should not have to endure this, and we should be doing everything we can to ensure they are safe.”
Last year, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated in their home, and Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot in their home.
“Our country has a long, dark history of political violence but these recent incidents struck a chord with me personally,” said Representative Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence). “State legislators who may have never considered themselves a target of violence now have to face the reality that we may be at risk. This bill provides a transparent way for legislators to protect themselves — at no cost to the state — while maintaining the integrity of our campaign finance rules.”
Also last year, Rhode Island state legislators were among several across the country whose homes were targets of bomb threats.
“It’s an unfortunate and abhorrent reality that elected officials and candidates are increasingly likely to face threats — I’ve experienced it firsthand,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “But we need good candidates to run for office, and everyone has the right to do so safely. I’m proud to support this legislation, which empowers candidates and public officials to take measures to keep themselves and their families safe while serving the public.”
The legislation (2026-S 2334B, 2026-H 7495B) allows campaign funds to be used for home and office security systems, including alarms, video surveillance, door access controls, locks, motion detectors and the monitoring and maintenance directly associated with such equipment. Such expenditures would be limited by all existing campaign finance law, including disclosure requirements.
“While federal officeholders and candidates are permitted to use campaign funds for security purposes, only a handful of states explicitly allow this type of expense,” said Senator Gallo. “But we have been witnessing a disturbing increase in the volume of threats and violence against state and local officials, as well as federal officials, here in Rhode Island and across the country. Violence has no place in our political discourse, of course, and it is imperative for the health of our democracy that candidates and public servants feel safe enough to run for office and to serve.”
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
|
|