On November 9, a public hearing will be held regarding proposed regulations for the new Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act. The hearing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the State House, Room 313.

Additionally, a public comment period is open until November 27.

Senate Bill 2361 and House Bill 7388, both officially signed into law on June 13, repeal the current lobbying laws in Title 22 and Title 42 in the state’s statutes and enact the new act. Among the changes are the simplification of lobbyists’ reporting requirements, an increase in penalties for failing to comply with lobbying requirements, and the allowance for more investigative and administrative authority for enforcing the lobbying laws, including administrative subpoena power.

The Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act takes effect on January 1, 2017. If passed, the new regulations will take effect on January 2, 2017.

Photo of the Rode Island State Capitol by Garrett A. Wollman on Wikimedia Commons.

On June 13, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Marie Raimondo signed two bills into law changing the state’s lobbying laws. Senate Bill 2361 and House Bill 7388 both repeal the current lobbying laws in Title 22 and Title 42 in the state’s statutes and enact the Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act.

Among the changes in the bills are the simplification of lobbyists’ reporting requirements, an increase in penalties for failing to comply with lobbying requirements, and the allowance for more investigative and administrative authority for enforcing the lobbying laws, including administrative subpoena power.

The effective date for the two bills is January 1, 2017.