2023 -- S 0369

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LC001441

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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: Senators Bell, and Mack

     Date Introduced: February 16, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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against the treasurer for the recovery of the complaint.

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

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website the following information:

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

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

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

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

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     (i) Court costs;

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     (ii) Legal fees; and

 

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     (iii) Compensatory damages.

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     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

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

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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