2021 -- H 5288

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LC000021

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE

CORPORATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Williams, Noret, Kazarian, and
Ackerman

     Date Introduced: January 29, 2021

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 42-64 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Commerce

Corporation" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     42-64-42. Restricted receipts account - Small business disaster relief.

     (a) The secretary of the corporation shall establish, within the corporation's budget, a

restricted receipt account for the limited purpose of receiving and retaining all fines collected from

individuals, businesses and restaurants for violations of any policies or restrictions established by

the governor during any period of a state emergency declared by the governor pursuant to the

provisions of chapter 15 of title 30, including, but not limited to, the declaration of a state of

emergency for the pandemic virus known as COVID-19 issued in March 2020.

     (b) The funds collected pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be made available

for all small businesses in the form of forgivable loans or grants as determined by the corporation

in its discretion.

     (c) The commerce corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the

provisions of this section.

     (d) All state departments and agencies involved in the assessment or collection of fines

related to violations of any policies or restrictions established by the governor during any period of

a state of emergency declaration shall transfer all collected funds to the secretary of commerce for

deposit into the restricted receipt account for distribution.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE

CORPORATION

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     This act would establish a restricted receipt account within the commerce corporation for

the receipt and retention of all fines collected by state departments and agencies from individuals

and businesses violating policies or procedures during a state of emergency (including COVID-19)

for distribution to small businesses in the form of forgivable loans or grants by the corporation.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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