2023 -- H 5260

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LC000450

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

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

     Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Cruz, Sanchez, Morales, Potter, McNamara,
Handy, Henries, and Alzate

     Date Introduced: January 27, 2023

     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) Each fiscal year, every town and city shall be required to disclose on their official

website the following information:

     (1) The number of legal actions in which the town or city is a named defendant;

     (2) Provide a short summary of the substantive issues of the legal action;

     (3) Provide the name of the attorney representing the town or city; and

     (4) Disclose all costs and expenses related to the legal action, including, but not limited to:

     (i) Court costs;

     (ii) Legal fees; and

     (iii) Compensatory damages.

     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.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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