Rep. Edwards' Campaign Transparency Bill Passes House

The following press release was issued by the office of Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth):

A bill aiming to shed light on and action committees for charter-amending questions will now head to the Senate for consideration after the House of Representatives voted in favor of it on Thursday.

The bill (2012-H 7060aa), sponsored by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), would require any group or political action committee advocating for a charter-amending question on a ballot to file a report of all contributions received from a sole source in excess of $100. It would also expand the current law to include contributions in relation to any town or city charter amendment considered on a Financial Town Referendum or at a Financial Town Meeting.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Edwards said after the bill passed in a 63 - 0 vote. “Committees pushing for a certain charter question at Financial Town Meetings should file reports like everyone else. These questions have the potential to instigate major changes in how officials run their cities and towns in both politically and financially. Transparency plays a key factor in making educated decisions about the issues.”

Co-sponsoring the legislation are Representatives Scott J. Guthrie (D-Dist. 28, Coventry), Rene R. Menard (D-Dist. 45, Lincoln, Cumberland), Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) and Joy Hearn (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence).