2025 -- H 5510

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LC001125

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST TOWNS

     Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Morales, J. Lombardi, Cruz, Felix, Potter, and
Batista

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2025

     Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-15-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-15 entitled "Actions by

and Against Towns" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     45-15-5. Presentment to council of claim or demand against town.

     (a) Every person who has any money due him or her from any town or city, or any claim

or demand against any town or city, for any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, shall take the

following method to obtain what is due: The person shall present to the town council of the town,

or to the city council of the city, a particular account of that person’s claim, debt, damages, or

demand, and how incurred or contracted; which being done, in case just and due satisfaction is not

made to him or her by the town or city treasurer of the town or city within forty (40) days after the

presentment of the claim, debt, damages, or demand, the person may commence his or her action

against the treasurer for the recovery of the complaint.

     (b) Within sixty (60) days of the close of their fiscal year, every municipality shall be

required to disclose on their official website the following information:

     (1) The number of legal actions in which the municipality, or any official or employee of

the municipality sued or was sued in their official capacity, during the year;

     (2) The case number for each legal action and the court in which it was filed;

     (3) A short description of the legal claims asserted in the case;

     (4) The current status of the case; and

     (5) All costs and expenses related to the legal action in the following categories:

     (i) Courts costs;

     (ii) Legal fees;

     (iii) Expert witness fees;

     (iv) Compensatory and punitive damages; and

     (v) Any other costs, fees or expenses incurred.

     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 TOWNS AND CITIES -- ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST TOWNS

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     This act would require a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific

issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant within

sixty (60) days after the close of their fiscal year.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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